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Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation? Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation?
(32 minutes later)
Everybody in the UK has been asked to stop non-essential contact, but people are still allowed to exercise outside as long as they stay more than 2m (6.5ft) apart.Everybody in the UK has been asked to stop non-essential contact, but people are still allowed to exercise outside as long as they stay more than 2m (6.5ft) apart.
Cafes, pubs and restaurants have been ordered to close to tackle coronavirus. Nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres are closing.Cafes, pubs and restaurants have been ordered to close to tackle coronavirus. Nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres are closing.
These steps are part of the UK's social distancing measures. Everybody is being asked to avoid non-essential contact with other people.These steps are part of the UK's social distancing measures. Everybody is being asked to avoid non-essential contact with other people.
It follows people with flu-like symptoms - such as dry cough and high temperature - being asked to self-isolate at home to avoid infecting others.It follows people with flu-like symptoms - such as dry cough and high temperature - being asked to self-isolate at home to avoid infecting others.
Can I go for a walk on a sunny day?Can I go for a walk on a sunny day?
Yes. Public Health England says: "You can go for a walk or exercise outside if you stay more than 2m from others."Yes. Public Health England says: "You can go for a walk or exercise outside if you stay more than 2m from others."
But in many crowded parks or beauty spots it would be difficult to stay this far apart. But in many crowded parks or beauty spots it would be difficult to stay the necessary distance apart.
Some parks are being closed as people are not able to maintain safe distances. Car parks and trails in Snowdonia may also close as large numbers of people have attempted to go walking, making social distancing very difficult. Some parks in London are being closed as the numbers of visitors means people are unable to maintain safe distances. Car parks and trails in Snowdonia may also close as many people have attempted to go walking. The National Trust has also been closing parks and gardens.
Dr Robin Thompson, Junior Research Fellow in Mathematical Epidemiology at the University of Oxford says: "The key thing is to exercise while minimising contacts. Local footpaths are likely to be less crowded than walks through major parks."
Why is social distancing necessary?Why is social distancing necessary?
Social distancing is important because coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets - packed with the virus - into the air. These can be breathed in, or cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on, then your eyes, nose or mouth.Social distancing is important because coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets - packed with the virus - into the air. These can be breathed in, or cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on, then your eyes, nose or mouth.
The less time people spend together, the less chance there is of this happening.The less time people spend together, the less chance there is of this happening.
Everyone is now being told to follow social distancing measures, especially the over-70s, pregnant women and adults normally eligible for a flu jab.Everyone is now being told to follow social distancing measures, especially the over-70s, pregnant women and adults normally eligible for a flu jab.
How to do social distancingHow to do social distancing
What am I allowed to do when social distancing?What am I allowed to do when social distancing?
What is self-isolation?What is self-isolation?
Self-isolating means staying at home and not leaving it, other than for exercise. Don't go to work, school or public areas during this time.Self-isolating means staying at home and not leaving it, other than for exercise. Don't go to work, school or public areas during this time.
If possible, you should not go out even to buy food or other essentials. If you are unable to get supplies delivered, you should do what you can to limit social contact when you do leave the house.If possible, you should not go out even to buy food or other essentials. If you are unable to get supplies delivered, you should do what you can to limit social contact when you do leave the house.
Who should self-isolate?Who should self-isolate?
Everyone who shows coronavirus symptoms - a fever of above 37.8C, a persistent cough or breathing problem - and everyone who lives in the same house or flat as someone with symptoms.Everyone who shows coronavirus symptoms - a fever of above 37.8C, a persistent cough or breathing problem - and everyone who lives in the same house or flat as someone with symptoms.
The person with the symptoms should stay in a well-ventilated room with a window that can be opened, and keep away from other people in the home.The person with the symptoms should stay in a well-ventilated room with a window that can be opened, and keep away from other people in the home.
People are being advised not to ring NHS 111 or their GP to report their symptoms unless they are worried.People are being advised not to ring NHS 111 or their GP to report their symptoms unless they are worried.
Who else should self-isolate?Who else should self-isolate?
About 1.5 million people with very serious health conditions should stay at home for at least 12 weeks. They will be contacted with special advice on how to manage their self-isolation, including getting supplies of essential food and medicines.About 1.5 million people with very serious health conditions should stay at home for at least 12 weeks. They will be contacted with special advice on how to manage their self-isolation, including getting supplies of essential food and medicines.
This group includes:This group includes:
What happens if you have a vulnerable person living with you during self-isolation?What happens if you have a vulnerable person living with you during self-isolation?
You should keep at least 2m away from a vulnerable person (such as pregnant women, the elderly or those with an underlying health condition) during any period of isolation, according to PHE.You should keep at least 2m away from a vulnerable person (such as pregnant women, the elderly or those with an underlying health condition) during any period of isolation, according to PHE.
Limit time spent together in shared spaces, like kitchens, and keep all rooms well-ventilated. If they can, the vulnerable person should take their meals back to their room to eat.Limit time spent together in shared spaces, like kitchens, and keep all rooms well-ventilated. If they can, the vulnerable person should take their meals back to their room to eat.
A vulnerable person should also use separate towels from the rest of the household. If possible, they should use a separate bathroom. If that is not possible, the bathroom should be cleaned every time it's used (for example, wiping surfaces with which you have come into contact).A vulnerable person should also use separate towels from the rest of the household. If possible, they should use a separate bathroom. If that is not possible, the bathroom should be cleaned every time it's used (for example, wiping surfaces with which you have come into contact).
People living with someone in isolation should wash their hands often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds - especially after coming into contact with them.People living with someone in isolation should wash their hands often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds - especially after coming into contact with them.
Personal waste (like tissues) should be double-bagged and put aside for 72 hours before being put in your outside bin.Personal waste (like tissues) should be double-bagged and put aside for 72 hours before being put in your outside bin.