Discover How to Form Your Own Social Bubble as a Single Person in NSW!

Introduction:

As New South Wales (NSW) continues its lockdown, it has introduced a system where singles can nominate one other person to form a bubble with. This has come as a relief for singles who may have been feeling isolated and lonely during these challenging times. However, some rules and restrictions apply for this new bubble system to ensure everyone's safety and wellbeing.

Conditions for forming a bubble:

To form a bubble, the nominated person can visit their single friend in their home, but it cannot be the other way around. The nominated person can travel more than five kilometers from their place of residence but cannot leave the lockdown area for Greater Sydney or LGA for regional NSW. If someone lives in one of the 12 local government areas under tighter lockdown restrictions, the nominated person must live within a five-kilometer radius and must be registered at Service NSW. To be eligible, singles must live alone or be a single parent with children under 18 years old.

Conditions for visiting and travelling with the nominated person:

Once nominated, the designated person can visit the single person's place of residence on more than one occasion, but the single person cannot visit them in their home. The nominated person can bring their children, but only if no alternative care arrangements are available. Both people are permitted to travel together for exercise or outdoor recreation, and they are exempt from the current car-pooling prohibition. They do not have to wear a mask when travelling together. People outside the 12 LGAs of concern must pick somebody who does not live in those areas, while regional residents cannot travel to Greater Sydney.

Other conditions and requirements:

To be part of the bubble system, the nominated person must live within a five-kilometer radius and register at Service NSW. The registration details must be kept, and the nominated visitor will need to carry a copy of the registration if travelling. If you choose to have a support worker or carer with you, they can accompany you to your nominated person. However, quarantine and testing requirements are managed and enforced by state and territory governments. If you want to travel overseas, you may need to apply online for exemption.

Conclusion:

The new bubble system in NSW has helped singles connect with one other person in these challenging times. While rules and restrictions apply to ensure everyone's safety, it is essential to make the most of the opportunity to select an important and safe person in your life. Mental health support is available for those who need it, and pandemic disaster payments can be found on the Service NSW website. With the right precautions, forming a bubble can help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness, ultimately making the lockdown experience more bearable.