Social Bubbles for Safe Living Amidst Covid-19

I would like to share an idea that I believe will help alleviate the risks of spreading Covid-19. Social bubbles maintained outside the workplace would provide both a secure way for citizens to reestablish a limited number of in-person interactions, and a mechanism for efficient contact tracing should an infection occur.

From my vantage point, the most valuable resources in life are relationships. We have coped as best we can using various technologies, but nothing surpasses the benefits of face-to-face contact. Social bubbles would make contact tracing simpler, while concurrently providing increased social fulfillment leading to a significant decrease in feelings of loneliness and isolation. Nearly everyone wants to maintain a social life amidst the ongoing threat posed by Covid-19, and to feel safe in the workplace. I am concerned that prolonged social isolation will cause people in our communities to lose hope, fall into depression, and behave in increasingly unpredictable ways. 

HOW IT WOULD WORK:

• Local officials would recommend citizens select a certain number of people in their social bubble based on the Covid-19 risk level. In this example it is 10 people. 
• The social bubbles need not include members of a household, where each household member can select 10 different people as close contacts. This would include extended family members and friends. Contact tracing would be streamlined and home isolation would apply should anyone in a bubble become sick and/or test positive for Covid-19, thereby staying OUT of the public setting.
• A maximum number of 10 contacts per person would be maintained. Guidelines regarding group sizes would be followed.
• An individual would need to have their bubbled social contact reciprocate the gesture of being bubbled. 
• Social bubble guidelines could apply at any risk level until the Covid-19 threat lessens.