People who are shielding during the coronavirus pandemic and live alone can form a support bubble with another household from July 6, Health Minister Robin Swann has said.
Those who have been self-isolating at home due to vulnerability around exisitng health conditions have already been informed that this shielding period comes to an end on July 31.
From July 6 they can meet up to six people outdoors, while mainting a two-metre distance from them.
Some 80,000 people are shielding in the north.
Those who live alone and are forming a support bubble with another household do not have to adhere to social distancing rules. The two households can spend time together indoors and stay overnight.
The minister said the second household can be of any size but both households should not be part of more than one bubble and should continue to socially distance outside the bubble.
“I have no doubt that shielding has played a key role in saving many lives. It has undoubtedly been extremely difficult for those who are shielding. I have listened with great sympathy to what people have told us about feeling isolated and how they have missed their loved ones," Mr Swann said.
The health minister some people who have been shielding will feel apprehensive about the changes.
"I would therefore, once again, repeat my call to everyone to continue to observe social distancing and to be considerate of the fact that the people you meet may have been shielding for many weeks.”
Mr Swann said although the risk of infection has reduced "the virus still constitutes a serious threat to those who are shielding should they get it".
“Keep your distance, wash your hands, don’t touch your face, avoid touching hard surfaces if you are out. Wherever possible, avoid enclosed spaces where social distancing is hard to maintain – such as public transport and shops.”
Meanwhile, the Executive has agreed that six people from different households can gather indoors from tomorrow. Read more
No deaths of people who have tested positive for coronavirus have been recorded in the psat 24 hours, Mr Swann announced earlire. The death toll stands at 545 although coronavirus has been connected to the deaths of more than 800 people.
