Informal carers, such as grandparents, can be considered part of a family’s bubble, and will be exempt from the government’s rule that prohibits mixing among individuals of different households.

In a statement late on 21 September, the Department of Health and Social Care also exempted those who care for vulnerable adults in their family from the number. Further, children under the age of 14 can be allowed to receive care from other individuals outside of their immediate household as part of “care bubble” provided the arrangements are part of a “consistent childcare relationship”.