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Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation? Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation?
(about 11 hours later)
Strict rules have been placed on people's personal movement to limit the spread of coronavirus.Strict rules have been placed on people's personal movement to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Under the restrictions, everybody must stay at home and only leave if they have a "reasonable excuse" which includes:Under the restrictions, everybody must stay at home and only leave if they have a "reasonable excuse" which includes:
(Other valid reasons include attending the funeral of a close family member, key workers taking children to childcare, and because of access arrangements for a child.) Other valid reasons include attending the funeral of a close family member, key workers taking children to childcare, and because of access arrangements for a child.
If you have to go outside you should stay more than 2m (6ft) apart from others. This is what's known as social distancing. If you have to go outside you should stay more than 2m (6ft) apart from anyone other than members of your own household. 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. But England's deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries says it could take six months to see "whether we can get back to normal" and "it is plausible that it could go further than that".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 six months to see "whether we can get back to normal" and "it is plausible that it could go further than that".
Police have the power to enforce these measures, by the use of fines and by dispersing gatherings.
What are the rules on exercise?What are the rules on exercise?
People are being told only to take one form of exercise a day. The guidelines say:People are being told only to take one form of exercise a day. The guidelines 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." The guidelines do not explicitly define what counts as "local" and whether people can drive somewhere to take exercise. However, some police forces have tried to discourage this.
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 because of "the failure of some visitors to follow social distancing guidance". No mention is given to how long you can exercise for. 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. Victoria Park in east London has been closed because of "the failure of some visitors to follow social distancing guidance".
Dogs can be walked as part of a person's daily exercise. There is nothing in government guidance on the subject to say whether pets have to be kept on a leash although some parks - including the Royal Parks - are insisting on this, as a way of ensuring people maintain social distancing.
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 once a day (staying at least 2m away 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.