Social bubbles could be introduced in Wales next week, according to First Minister Mark Drakeford.
When questioned by WalesOnline at the press conference today Mr Drakeford confirmed the measures were being considered. He added that the Welsh Government had looked at introducing the measure this week but decided there was not enough information available.
What is a social bubble?
A social bubble is where you expand your household to include other households. This means you will be able to see other people as though they are from your own home. It means you will no longer have to meet these people in the garden or park and can instead be inside together.
The measures have already been introduced in England, with Scotland just announcing similar rules.
Under the new Scottish guidelines, single adult households – adults who live alone or with dependent children under the age of 18 only – can form a support bubble with one other household.
The First Minister told a press conference today that he had “looked quite carefully to see if we could make a decision about extended household arrangements” but “came to the conclusion at the middle of last week that it isn’t possible to make a decision on extend households” in the way that he wanted to do it in Wales.
He added that from next week he would “begin to gather advice”.
Will it be three weeks until the new changes come in?
Previously, Mark Drakeford has been hesitant to announce measures until after three weeks has passed. This is to allow changes in virus rates to show up.
However, in the case of social bubbles, this is not the case.
“We don't have to wait for three weeks,” he said.
“We can make a change at any point in the three week cycle.”
What will social bubbling look like in Wales?
Though still up for discussion, it seems like Wales will be going down a similar route to Scotland.
Mr Drakeford told WalesOnline: “I had a very good discussion of this with the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon only on Wednesday.
“We will be looking carefully at all the arrangements they have in England and all the arrangements they have announced in Scotland.”
He added: “It is likely to involve two households, a single household bubbling with another house. Giving some relief to those people who have been particularly isolated as a result of the coronavirus restrictions. We will work that out with our chief medical officer and advisors next week.”
