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Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules? Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules?
(2 days later)
The UK's coronavirus restrictions will last until "at least" 7 May, according to the government. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people to be patient with the lockdown, which is due to last until at least 7 May.
Meanwhile, some parts of the UK have been tightening the rules on exercise. So, what are the rules?
What is a 'reasonable excuse' to go out?What is a 'reasonable excuse' to go out?
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 say people should go out as little as possible and only leave home if they have a "reasonable excuse". This includes:
Police also have wide-ranging powers to help fight coronavirus by enforcing the social distancing measures. They have been issued guidance about what might be "reasonable" and "unreasonable" excuses for people leaving their homes.
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 stay more than 2m (6ft) apart from anyone other than members of your household. This is called 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 the two might be appropriate for most people.
In Wales the rules say you can exercise for a reasonable amount of time and that means four or five hours is out of the question.
Can I sunbathe in the park?
Some public parks in London were temporarily closed following lockdown. But the government has now told councils that parks should remain open.
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.
When could the lockdown end?
On 27 April, Mr Johnson said it was still too soon to start easing restrictions as it could risk a "second major outbreak and huge loss of life and the overwhelming of the NHS".
The government has set out five tests for ending the lockdown and it will review the current rules by 7 May.
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 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.
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. You should not go out even to buy food or medicine, and should order these online, or ask someone to drop them off at your home.
You can use your garden, if you have one, and any exercise should be taken at home. You can use your garden, if you have one.
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 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. The person with 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 advised not to ring NHS 111 or their GP to report their symptoms unless they are worried.
Who shouldn't go out at all? What about older people and those with health conditions?
About 1.5 million people with very serious health conditions are being contacted by the NHS and urged not to go out at all for at least 12 weeks. The government says people aged 70 and over, and those who have an underlying health condition, should remain at home. They are more likely to be seriously affected by coronavirus.
This is what's known as shielding. To minimise the risk, friends or family should drop off food and medicine at the door, or it should be ordered online. GP appointments should be over the phone, or online.
The most vulnerable group includes: The government says it will work with local authorities, supermarkets and the armed forces to ensure people 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.