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Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation? Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation?
(about 13 hours later)
The UK government has taken further action to limit the spread of coronavirus.The UK government has taken further action to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Shops selling non-essential items are to close, along with libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship. Shops selling non-essential items have closed, along with libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship.
Weddings and baptisms will be banned but funerals will be allowed. Weddings and baptisms are banned but funerals are still allowed.
Gatherings of more than two people not from the same household will be banned. Gatherings of more than two people not from the same household are banned.
People are only to do one form of exercise a day on their own or with a member of their household. People are only to do one form of outdoor exercise a day on their own or with a member of their household.
The other acceptable reasons to leave the house are:The other acceptable reasons to leave the house are:
The government has also said that key workers may leave the house to take their children to school and that children may move between the homes of separated parents.The government has also said that key workers may leave the house to take their children to school and that children may move between the homes of separated parents.
What should I be doing?What should I be doing?
If people have to go outside - to buy food for example - they must stay more than 2m (6.5ft) apart from others.If people have to go outside - to buy food for example - they must stay more than 2m (6.5ft) apart from others.
Cafes, pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres have all already been told to close. The move is part of social distancing measures to minimise non-essential contact. Cafes, pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres have also been told to close. The move is part of social distancing measures to minimise non-essential contact.
People with flu-like symptoms - such as a dry cough and high temperature - had already been asked to self-isolate at home to avoid infecting others. People with flu-like symptoms - such as a dry cough and high temperature - have been asked to self-isolate at home to avoid infecting others.
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.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 can cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on, and then touch your face with unwashed hands.These can be breathed in, or can cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on, and then touch your face with unwashed hands.
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.
What about other countries?
Some countries have gone further than the UK to make sure people keep their distance.
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 shouldn't go out at all?Who shouldn't go out at all?
About 1.5 million people with very serious health conditions will be contacted by the NHS and urged not go out at all for at least 12 weeks. This is being referred to as shielding. About 1.5 million people with very serious health conditions are being contacted by the NHS and urged not go out at all for at least 12 weeks. This is being referred to as shielding.
Others in the same household, and carers, can go out as long they observe proper social distancing.Others in the same household, and carers, can go out as long they observe proper social distancing.
The most vulnerable group includes:The most vulnerable group includes:
The government says it will work with local authorities, supermarkets and the armed forces to ensure they get supplies of essential food and medicines.The government says it will work with local authorities, supermarkets and the armed forces to ensure they get supplies of essential food and medicines.
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 Public Health England.
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 such as 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 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 (such as tissues) should be double-bagged and put aside for 72 hours before being put in your outside bin.
What about other countries?
Other countries have also been taking steps to limit the spread of the virus: