The support bubble or ‘social bubble’ was introduced to support those at risk of becoming isolated as we moved to Level 5 restrictions nationwide. Details on the operation of support bubbles are available on the gov.ie website.
A person can form a support bubble with another household in the following scenarios:
- if they are living alone with children under the age of 18
- if they live alone
- if they share parenting or custody arrangements
- if they live with an adult they provide care for (for example a dependent adult relation or a partner with dementia)
- if they live by themselves and have a carer or carers who support them, including a live-in carer
A person is only permitted to form a support bubble with one other household if they are not already part of a support bubble, i.e. you can only be part of one support bubble. It is permitted to meet those in the support bubble in your home or their home, outdoors and in places other than home.
It is preferable that people choose a household in their locality to form their support bubble, however it is permitted to form a support bubble with a household outside the 5km limit and this is made clear in online guidance. It is also provided for in regulations where it is provided as a reasonable excuse for travelling. The relevant Regulations are S.I. No. 448 of 2020 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 8) Regulations 2020, Regulation 5 (2)(w)) which are available here: www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/.
The guidelines associated with a member of a support bubble developing symptoms of Covid-19 or testing positive for Covid-19 are provided online and it is made clear that people should not visit or meet those in their bubble if they have symptoms of COVID-19.
Information and guidance on support bubbles is available here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/3516d-support-bubbles/#who-can-form-a-support-bubble.
