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Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation? Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation?
(about 11 hours later)
The government has urged members of the public to stay at home, and not be tempted by good weather to ignore rules on social distancing. Members of the public should stay at home and not be tempted out by good weather expected over the weekend, the government says.
In a video posted on Twitter, Boris Johnson - who is self-isolating after being diagnosed with coronavirus - urged people not to "get out there, and start to break the regulations". In a video posted on Twitter, Boris Johnson urged people not to "start to break the regulations" introduced to beat coronavirus.
Restrictions to stop the spread of the virus state that everybody must stay at home where possible, and only leave if they have a "reasonable excuse". This includes; Restrictions state that everybody must stay at home where possible, and only leave if they have a "reasonable excuse". This includes;
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.
What are the rules on exercise?What are the rules on exercise?
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." Warnings to stay away from beaches, national parks and other destinations were made as forecasters predicted warm weather in some areas and temperatures of up to 20C.
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. 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.
No mention is given to how long you can exercise for. But Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has said: "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."
Police have wide-ranging powers to help fight coronavirus by enforcing social distancing measures. But there is an enormous gap between what the government would like people to do and the limits of the law, says BBC home affairs correspondent Dominic Casciani.
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 once a day (staying at least 2m away 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.