Grandparents could soon be allowed to cuddle their grandchildren after weeks apart in isolation.
Boris Johnson's 60-page blue print for easing Britain out of lockdown includes the possibility of expanding household groups to allow those "isolated some more social contact".
While details are vague for certain sectors, including over-70s, the Prime Minister has reiterated the elderly are not in the 'shielded' group of highly vulnerable - implying they could be allowed to mix with other family soon.
People vulnerable to the virus, including those with underlying health problems were told mid-March to stay indoors for 12 weeks - which is now likely to be extended.
Confusingly, this group did initially appear to include all over-70s.
But Mr Johnson said yesterday: "Over 70s need to understand they need to take care but it's not quite right to say they're shielded."
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He also said: "All the rules of social distancing of course apply to them and apply particularly strongly to them, but otherwise they can go about their lives."
The Government has asked the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) to look into the safety aspects involved of allowing households to come together, according to the report.
This strategy could be based on the New Zealand model of household 'bubbles' which could allow two households to come into contact, for example to share childcare.
But there's no confirmed date as to when this may come into being.
Those who are not in the shielded group but who are more vulnerable to Covid-19, such as the over-70s, should "continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their households, but do not need to be shielded", says the blueprint.
The blueprint does confirm that people can sit in the park with one person from another household as long as they stay two metres apart.
No 10 confirmed you can’t sit on your mum’s driveway, even if you’re two metres away.
The up to two million vulnerable people face being shut inside beyond June.
