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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Fionnula Hainey

The new rules on how you can meet people from outside your household from today

The rules around seeing people from outside your household change from today - but only for some people.

Since mid-May the government has allowed people in England to meet others from outside their household outdoors as long as they maintain social distancing.

At first, you could only meet others one-on-one, but a further easing meant that group gatherings can now take place.

And now, with the introduction of support bubbles, there's another way you might be able to spend time with your friends and family during lockdown.

From today, June 13, there are two ways you can socialise with people from outside your household - but there are strict rules for both. 

Here's what you need to know.

1. Group gatherings outdoors

People can now gather in groups of up to six as long as social distancing in maintained.

These can be six people from different households - but the government is advising people to limit the number of households together at any one time to minimise the risk of infection.

A group of friends from different households can meet up outside as long as they observe social distancing guidelines (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

You need to make sure you stay two metres away from anyone who is not in your household.

Group gatherings can take place anywhere outdoors as long as you can maintain social distancing.

If you're meeting up in a private garden you should avoid going into the house - unless you have to to get to the garden or to use a bathroom.

Avoid using paddling pools and other garden equipment too.

You are not allowed to go in garages, sheds or cabins as these are all indoor areas where the risk of transmission is higher.

You should also you take hygiene precautions by washing your hands as soon as you are home for at least 20 seconds and using hand sanitiser while out and about.

Only gatherings of up to six people from more than one household are allowed by law.

Police have powers to disperse any larger gatherings and will hand out fines to anyone not willing to comply.

2. Forming a support bubble

From today, anyone who is in a single adult household will be allowed to form a support bubble with another household.

They will then be allowed to spend unlimited time together both indoors and outdoors without maintaining social distancing - as if they are one single household.

Support bubbles are only for single adult households – so people who either live alone or single parents living with children under 18.

The household you choose to join up with can be of any size - but can not include anyone who is shielding.

You will only be allowed to form a bubble with one other household - and they should only be in a bubble with you.

You must not gather indoors or stay overnight with anyone from outside of this bubble.

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