Are there safe ways to spend time with friends during the pandemic? To answer this question, health experts have been looking at one method, called a COVID-19 support bubble. They found that forming such a group, or bubble, with a few close friends can be safe. Support bubbles are also known as quarantine pods. Experts claim these groups may help to fight off loneliness and fear after months of social distancing. United States health officials define social distancing as keeping space between yourself and people from outside your home. With social distancing, people should stay at least two meters, or about two arms’ length, from other people. The Associated Press reports that the idea for support bubbles started in New Zealand. It calls for two people or families to agree to socialize in person only with each other. The numbers are kept small to limit the risk of infection. Experts give this warning: Do not try forming a support bubble unless everyone agrees to follow social distancing rules while away from the support bubble ’s members.