If you're in a support bubble with someone who lives 3+ hours away...

[grenlei]

I read the rules as saying you can't stay overnight - so basically we won't be able to see each other until 2 Dec?

(my support bubble is with my partner, we live 3-4 hours apart).

@Barryisland it’s not ‘ignoring the rules‘ when the rules expressly allow for a support bubble! It’s literally following the letter of the rules. Nothing says your support bubble has to be within a 5 minute walk. Stop making things up.

If DO wasn't in a bubble with me he wouldn't be able to see anyone else. He has 2 other family members (who live nearby but separately from him and each other) who are in a bubble together. Before bubbles he basically didn't see anyone for months and it massively impacted his MH - as I'm sure was true for many others living alone.

My main concern now is if they close motorway service stations I may struggle to travel to his as I normally stop to stretch my legs (and have a wee) half way. So he may have to come to me as he has the stronger bladder

My DP is the same although he will be working this time so will at least see people at work, in the first lockdown he was furloughed so he moved in with me but now he is working that isn't viable. Also I'm sure the toilets at services may have stayed open last time just not the shops?

@Barryisland

It’s hardly a support bubble though is it? Op wants to go and see her boyfriend. I stand by my comment that it’s unnecessary travel and she shouldn’t be staying overnight. We can all make excuses to get around the rules but the more that do it the longer the masses will suffer.

What a wierd post Support bubbles have been allowed since June or something. Do you seriously not know this or are you just being obtuse for the sake of it?

From the latest rules on the Gov.uk website:

Overnight stays and holidays away from primary residences will not be allowed- including holidays in the UK and abroad. This includes staying in a second home, if you own one, or staying with anyone you do not live with or are in a support bubble with. There are specific exceptions, for example if you need to stay away from home (including in a second home) for work purposes.

Also taken from the gov website about rules from 5th November

1. Meeting with family and friends

You must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household - meaning the people you live with - or support bubble.

A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household. Households in that support bubble can still visit each other, stay overnight, and visit outdoor public places together.

You can exercise or visit outdoor public places with the people you live with, your support bubble, or 1 person from another household.

Outdoor public places include:

parks, beaches, countryside,
public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them), allotments
playgrounds
You cannot meet in a private garden.

Motorway services were open through the first lockdown, so you should be OK, OP.

Ah that's good if so, I didn't travel anywhere in last lockdown but I remember reading somewhere that lorry drivers were complaining about loos not being open so I was basing it on that. Although I suppose they could have meant those in supermarkets/ petrol stations rather than service stations.

@Gremlin1 it says specifically on www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#meeting-with-family-and-friends
A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household. Households in that support bubble can still visit each other, stay overnight, and visit outdoor public places together

It's really specific.