Heartwarming moments as families reunite under new 'extended households' rule
Families and friends in Wales can now reunite under new rules allowing two households to form one "extended household".
The arrangement, which came into force on Monday July 6, allows separated families to hug and meet indoors for the first time since lockdown began.
It comes as the five mile rule is eased in Wales meaning people can travel any distance, including across the border into England.
Six-year-old Mollie Diamond has been able to see her grandmother, Susan, for the first time since lockdown began. Her mum Helen Bancroft said it's been "brilliant" to be reunited. "Mum picks her up everyday from school normally and we haven't seen each other since March, so it's just been the occasional video call but of course Mollie doesn't understand it. So she wouldn't even speak on the phone quite often. She hasn't had much chance to speak to mum let alone video call so it's just fantastic for Molls and it's been fab for me too...because it has been really really hard."
What are extended households?
Two households joining together to form an “extended household”. It allows people to spend time indoors and have physical contact with the other household without social distancing.
It also allows people to stay in each other’s homes overnight.
Melanie Lewis from Merthyr is another who's been able to hug her family as she is now part of an extended household with her mum and dad, Frances and Bill.
Melanie has been checking in on her parents and bringing them supplies since lockdown began. A video Melanie took showing her bringing the pair evaporated milk but no corned beef or coffee went viral in March.
Melanie said: "It's absolutely fabulous. I've been waiting for this for months."
Melanie's mum, Frances Hughes. "We are very demonstrative. She and my boys [normally] kiss me every time they go from here. "
When asked what did they miss the most, Frances said: "Having a coffee, having a chat and having a laugh because we laugh a lot!"
The Welsh Government have said there is no limit on the number of people who can be in an extended household. However, only two households can form part of the extended household.
Once you have joined with another household you cannot change your arrangement.
Can I join households with someone across the border?
The Welsh Government say extended households can be cross-border – but the arrangements will need to adhere to rules in both countries. For example, a household in Wales can join with a household in England.
Carers in Wales do not need to be listed as members of your extended household to continue to offer support or make visits.
When originally announced, First Minister Mark Drakeford said grandparents would be "able to see and hold their grandchildren again" but also realised some families would need to make "difficult choices" because you can only partner with one other household.
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