Unraveling the Secret of NSW Resident's "Singles Social Bubble" Structure

To curb the spread of COVID-19, strict regulations have been enforced, but the nominated person has some liberties. The designated recipient is allowed to visit their single friend's home, but the opposite action is not permissible. Subsequently, the nominated person is allowed to travel beyond five kilometres from their residence. However, they cannot leave the lockdown area for Greater Sydney or their LGA for regional NSW. For those residing in the 12 local government areas with strict lockdown policies, the nominated person must reside within a five-kilometre radius of their home and must register at Service NSW.

Singles residing in New South Wales can form a bubble with one specific person for support during the lockdown. As per the rules, individuals living alone or single parents with children under 18 years old can select someone who can visit their residence more than once. Nonetheless, they cannot visit the nominated individual's place. Furthermore, the designated person is allowed to bring their children if there are no alternative care arrangements. Both people can travel for outdoor recreation or exercise, and neither has to wear a mask when travelling together. However, the designated person cannot form a social bubble with another person.

Individuals with a disability can be accompanied by their support worker or carer while visiting someone in their social bubble, especially if they have complex needs. If the nominated individual resides in Greater Sydney, individuals can travel more than five kilometres to visit them but cannot leave Greater Sydney. People residing outside the 12 Local Government Areas of concern must pick someone who doesn't live in those areas, while regional residents cannot travel to Greater Sydney. For those residing in Penrith (for the following suburbs: Caddens, Claremont Meadows, Colyton, Erskine Park, Kemps Creek, Kingswood, Mount Vernon, North St Marys, Orchard Hills, Oxley Park, St Clair and St Marys), the nominated individual must reside within the same LGA and live within a five-kilometre radius.

Once an individual selects their designated person, they must make sure that they are an important person in their life, that they like to spend time with them and feel safe around them. Each state and territory government manages and enforces quarantine and testing requirements. If someone wishes to travel overseas, they must apply for an exemption online. People can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for mental health support. For more information, individuals can visit testing clinics in each state and territory and pandemic disaster payment information in each state and territory. Translated resources, such as the COVID-19 Vaccination Glossary and Appointment Reminder Tool, are available on the NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service website.