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Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules? Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules?
(12 days later)
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people to be patient with the lockdown, which is due to last until at least 7 May. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to address lockdown measures on 10 May, although people have been warned "not to expect big changes."
So, what are the rules? Wales has announced a slight easing of its rules on exercise and the opening of some garden centres, but the main "stay at home" guidance remains in place.
So, what are the current rules?
What is a 'reasonable excuse' to go out?What is a 'reasonable excuse' to go out?
The measures 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:
What are the rules on exercise?What are the rules on exercise?
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.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.
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?When could the lockdown end?
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson may announce some changes on 10 May, although these are likely to be minor.
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".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. The government has set out five tests for ending the lockdown and must review any rules every three weeks.
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 these online, or ask someone to drop them off at your home.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.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 home.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 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 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.
What about older people and those with health conditions?What about older people and those with health conditions?
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.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.
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.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 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 people 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.