This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51506729

The article has changed 119 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 29 Version 30
Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation? Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation?
(about 3 hours later)
Strict rules have been placed on people's personal movement to limit the spread of coronavirus. Rules for those showing symptoms were already in place, as well as measures to protect the most vulnerable.Strict rules have been placed on people's personal movement to limit the spread of coronavirus. Rules for those showing symptoms were already in place, as well as measures to protect the most vulnerable.
Under the restrictions, everybody must stay at home and only leave for these reasons:Under the restrictions, everybody must stay at home and only leave for these reasons:
If you have to go outside you must stay more than 2m (6ft) apart from others. This is what's known as social distancing.If you have to go outside you must stay more than 2m (6ft) apart from others. This is what's known as social distancing.
Shops selling non-essential items are closed, along with cafes, pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and other places where people meet in groups. Gatherings of more than two people not from the same household are banned.Shops selling non-essential items are closed, along with cafes, pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and other places where people meet in groups. Gatherings of more than two people not from the same household are banned.
The restrictions were introduced on 23 March, initially for three weeks. The restrictions were introduced on 23 March, initially for three weeks. But England's deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries says it could take three to six months to see "whether we can get back to normal" and "it is plausible that it could go further than that".
What are the rules on exercise?What are the rules on exercise?
People are allowed to take one form of exercise a day. The rules say:People are allowed to take one form of exercise a day. The rules say:
But the Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has advised: "I would have thought for most people a walk of up to an hour, a run of 30 minutes or a cycle ride of between that, depending on their level of fitness, is appropriate."But the Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has advised: "I would have thought for most people a walk of up to an hour, a run of 30 minutes or a cycle ride of between that, depending on their level of fitness, is appropriate."
Some outdoor spaces, including playgrounds, outdoor gyms and some parks are closed. For example, Hammersmith and Fulham Council in London has shut all its parks, while Victoria Park in east London was closed this week because of "the failure of some visitors to follow social distancing guidance".Some outdoor spaces, including playgrounds, outdoor gyms and some parks are closed. For example, Hammersmith and Fulham Council in London has shut all its parks, while Victoria Park in east London was closed this week because of "the failure of some visitors to follow social distancing guidance".
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.
What is self-isolation?What is self-isolation?
If you show symptoms of coronavirus - such as a dry cough and high temperature - you must take extra precautions.If you show symptoms of coronavirus - such as a dry cough and high temperature - you must take extra precautions.
You should stay at home and if possible, not leave it for any reason, other than to exercise (staying a safe distance from others).You should stay at home and if possible, not leave it for any reason, other than to exercise (staying a safe distance from others).
This is known as self-isolation.This is known as self-isolation.
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 problems - 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 problems - 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 are being contacted by the NHS and urged not go out at all for at least 12 weeks.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 what's known as shielding.This is what's known as shielding.
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.
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.