Single central Victorians who live alone will soon be able to visit with one other person in the home.
After Sunday, September 13, single people can nominate one other person to form part of their 'social bubble', a way the Victorian government says will support people who may be feeling isolated while balancing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
I'm single. Can I nominate a person to visit me at home?
Forming a 'social bubble' is only available to those who either single and living alone, or are single and the only adult in the household.
This is designed to mirror the existing arrangements for people with intimate partners.
Those who are not single or live with other adults cannot form a 'social bubble', unless they are the nominated person of a single person living alone.
Who can I nominate for my social bubble?
Only one other person can be in your social bubble, but it does not matter whether they too are single and living alone, or living with other people.
People in regional areas cannot nominate a person in Melbourne, and vice versa.
Being in a social bubble means you can visit each other at home.
If either have children who cannot be looked after someone else, the children can attend the visit.
However, if your nominated person lives with other adults, you can only visit their home when they are home alone - this means you cannot visit both your parents at home if one of them is your nominated person.
If your nominated person is not home alone, they should visit you.
You can only have one person in your social bubble while the 'second step' of the roadmap moving out of lockdown is ongoing; you cannot nominate one person one week, and another the next.
What am I allowed to do?
You must wear a face covering during visits with someone in your social bubble.
There are no limits on the number of times you can see your nominated person, but the government advises that you should minimise the number of times you leave the house.
You should not visit if either of you feel unwell.
The government also says both people in the bubble must agree who they will see outside the home, and should keep a list of the people they do see.
What if I want to see someone outside my bubble?
You are not allowed to visit anyone else at home, but you will be able to meet for recreation or exercising outside.
There is no limit on how many people you can see outside, so long as you abide by limits for single gatherings.
After September 13, this will be a maximum of five people from two households at any one time.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
