Everything you need to know about support bubbles

From Monday 14 September the number of people allowed to meet socially in England will be reduced to six people - with exemptions for those in support bubbles.

The new measure has been introduced as coronavirus cases across the UK continue to rise, with more than 2,000 positive cases of Covid-19 recorded on Tuesday (8 September).

But what exactly are support bubbles and how do they work?

What is the new guidance?

Boris Johnson has announced new guidance to reduce the number of people allowed to meet up socially in England from 30 to just six.

The rules apply both indoors and outdoors, however if your household is larger than six you will be able to gather in one larger group. This also applies to support bubbles.

Johnson said: “In England, from Monday [14 September], we are introducing the rule of six. You must not meet socially in groups of more than six - and if you do, you will be breaking the law.

“This will apply in any setting, indoors or outdoors, at home or in the pub.”

Johnson explained that the new rules will be enforced by the police, and that anyone caught breaking the rules could face a fine, or even be arrested.

However, households larger than six people and support bubbles of more than six are exempt from the new rules and will be able to continue to socialise.

What are support bubbles?

A support bubble is when two households join together to become one household in the eyes of the government.