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Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules? Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules?
(1 day later)
The UK's coronavirus restrictions are unlikely to be lifted in the coming days, the government has said. The UK's coronavirus restrictions will last for "at least" another three weeks from 16 April, according to the government.
Most people are sticking to the rules, but "we are still not past the peak of this virus", said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. The measures in place say people should go out as little as possible and only leave home if they have a "reasonable excuse". This includes:
The measures in place say people should go out as little as possible and only leave if they have a "reasonable excuse". This includes:
Police also have wide-ranging powers to help fight coronavirus by enforcing the social distancing measures.Police also have wide-ranging powers to help fight coronavirus by enforcing the social distancing measures.
What is a 'reasonable excuse'?
Police officers have been issued guidance about what might be "reasonable" and "unreasonable" excuses for people leaving their homes.
For instance, buying tools to repair a recently damaged fence panel would be reasonable, but buying paint and brushes simply to redecorate a kitchen would not be allowed.
It also says, for example, people should not be "home-working" in parks, or sitting on a public bench for long periods of time.
What are the rules on exercise?What are the rules on exercise?
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.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 suggested a walk of up to an hour, a run of 30 minutes or a cycle ride of between that might be appropriate more most people "depending on their level of fitness". No mention is given to how long you can exercise for. But Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has suggested a walk of up to an hour, a run of 30 minutes or a cycle ride of between the two might be appropriate for most people.
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. . You should stay at home and not leave it for any reason. .
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. You should not go out even to buy food or medicine, and should order them online or ask someone to drop them off at your home for you.
During self-isolation, exercise should only be done inside your home. You can use your garden, if you have one, and any exercise should be taken at home.
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.