[imagesource: Associated Press]

One of the things probably furthest from most people’s minds, when lockdown measures were first instituted in the UK, was the resultant end to sex with anyone who wasn’t already living with them (with their enthusiastic consent, of course).

Then it sunk in, and for those self-isolating alone, or separated from partners isolating in their own space, no intimacy for the foreseeable future was a bleak prospect.

Many would argue that sex and physical intimacy is essential to a healthy and happy life.

Which is why the news that the ‘sex ban’ will be lifted this coming Saturday, has been much celebrated.

Boris Johnson, the last man in the world that anyone wants to listen to talking about sex, delivered the news at the 33-second mark below, without mentioning ‘sex’ specifically, for which we are very grateful.

Instead, he talks about ‘support bubbles’. We’ll go into more detail about what they are, and how they’ll impact the ‘sex ban’, after this:

The Huffington Post on the new rules:

From just after midnight on Saturday, people who live alone will be able to stay overnight with their partner for the first time since the lockdown began more than 11 weeks ago.

The new system of “support bubbles” will also allow single parents and isolated grandparents to visit and stay with family members as if they are in the same household, without any two-metre social distancing.

The rules – aimed at ending social isolation for all age groups – mean that, as well as couples or friends separated by the virus being able to freely visit each other, some children and grandchildren will be able to hug their parents and grandparents for the first time in weeks.

The new rules won’t apply to couples who live in shared households, or to children who visit parents who live separately and are in new relationships.

If any member of the new “support bubble” shows symptoms of coronavirus, everyone in both households will have to self-isolate for 14 days.

And to avoid new chains of transmission of the virus, support bubbles have to be exclusive, and cannot be switched with different or multiple households.

In other words, you form a social pact with another household that both of you won’t see anyone else outside of that household, and vice versa:

Asked explicitly whether the new rules meant the “sex ban” was over, a No.10 source said: “It is a fact that if you form a bubble with another household you won’t have to follow the two-metre rule.”

So no, this isn’t a Tinder revival, and you can’t go off into the world to find random one night stands, but if you know someone who is keen to join your support bubble for a little one on one time, then you’re on your way.

I’m sure it’s still welcome news for those who have had to conduct their relationships online for the past few months.

[source:huffpost]