Household 'bubbles' can expand

Friday 01 May 2020

Some families and friends will be able to reunite this weekend as lockdown restrictions are eased, allowing each household to link up with people from one other household.

This aims to create an extended household 'bubble', meaning people from both homes will be able to socialise in each other's properties.

Social distancing within that 'bubble' won't be necessary, as long as the people stay on one of their household premises.

The changes can include those over 65, so long as they understand the risks involved and can maintain good hygiene. But, all decisions must be mutual between the two households.

The expansion of home 'bubbles' is part of further changes to loosen the lockdown restrictions, which will all come into place at 00:01 on Saturday 2 May.

Pictured: Deputy Heidi Soulsby.

They include further opportunities to take part in different outdoor activities during the daily two hours exercise allowance.

"I'm not going to go over each activity that will be allowed," said President of Health & Social Care, Deputy Heidi Soulsby. "But, it will include boating and recreational fishing from a boat, golf, singles tennis and one-to-one coaching and personal training.

"Now is not the time to start anything new and take care to put yourself or others in danger or do anything that would place more pressure on the emergency services."

This is likely to see more businesses reopening to offer the variety of activities.

Activities can take place with members of your household or one person from another household, so long as social distancing measures are met.

Expanded household 'bubbles' are only allowed to socialise normally within their homes and cannot do so outside of the property.

The Bailiwick is still in Phase Two of its exit strategy and free movement around the island is not yet permitted.