From teddy bear’s picnics, to TV and treats with Nana, there have been emotional reunions across England as some families created “social bubbles” for the first time.

Under new government guidelines, people living alone or single parents with children under 18 can create a “bubble” with one other household.

They can visit each other, have overnight stays, and do not need to follow the two metre social distancing rule within their group.

Fred Pearce, 76, told Sky News “it’s a very special day” as he saw his family – and had a teddy bear’s picnic with his 20-month-old granddaughter – for the first time since lockdown began.

“It’s been a lonely life,” Mr Pearce, a widower from Lyme Regis, said.

“I’ve got a lot of very good friends locally but the fact is you still come home to an empty house.”

Mr Pearce has now entered into a “bubble” with his son Rob and his family.

“It’s been tough because Dad is a long way from us,” Rob said.

“So, we were so pleased when the announcement came out about this bubble. I know it hasn’t helped everyone, but it’s helped us and we couldn’t be happier.”

The vulnerable and people who are shielding cannot join “bubbles” under the new guidance.

But its intention is to help those who feel lonely or need help with childcare.

Bethany Pike, a single parent from Cheltenham, told Sky News she “didn’t want to let her mum go” after letting her in the front door.

Although the family have met up for socially distanced walks, Ms Pike, who has a two-year old daughter, said it was “a huge relief” to be able to visit her mother in her house, and vice versa. She was also grateful for the added hands-on help.

“We’ve all been keeping in touch via technology, but actually being able to be close, hugging, playing, just all of that stuff – it’s those little things that are going to be the best and most cherished,” Ms Pike said.

But for some, the reunions have been bittersweet.

Source: Read Full Article