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Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules? Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules?
(4 days later)
Lockdown restrictions are easing, with changes aimed at reducing loneliness among people who live alone. Lockdown restrictions are being eased further in England, with the announcement that social distancing need only mean a distance of "one metre plus" from 4 July.
When distancing of two metres is possible that should still be kept, but if that is not possible then one metre will be acceptable if certain precautions are taken such as the use of face coverings.
Each of the four UK nations has different rules. So what can you do now?Each of the four UK nations has different rules. So what can you do now?
Can I meet members of another family?
In England from 4 July, members of two households can meet each other either inside or outside.
That doesn't always have to be the same two households - but it can't be more than two households.
This is in addition to what you are currently allowed to do in a support bubble.
What is a support bubble?What is a support bubble?
In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, single adults living alone - or single parents with children under 18 - can form an "exclusive" support bubble with one other household.In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, single adults living alone - or single parents with children under 18 - can form an "exclusive" support bubble with one other household.
The second household can be of any size - but nobody who is shielding should join a bubble.The second household can be of any size - but nobody who is shielding should join a bubble.
People in each bubble can visit each other's homes and go inside.People in each bubble can visit each other's homes and go inside.
They will not have to stay 2m (6ft) apart and can stay overnight.They will not have to stay 2m (6ft) apart and can stay overnight.
It means, for example, that a single grandparent could pair up with one of their children's households. An adult living alone could mix with their parents, or two single friends living apart could get together.It means, for example, that a single grandparent could pair up with one of their children's households. An adult living alone could mix with their parents, or two single friends living apart could get together.
If anyone in the bubble develops coronavirus symptoms, everyone in both households must self-isolate.If anyone in the bubble develops coronavirus symptoms, everyone in both households must self-isolate.
If you don't live on your own, or live with a child or children aged over 18, then you can't form a bubble.If you don't live on your own, or live with a child or children aged over 18, then you can't form a bubble.
Wales is considering introducing a similar scheme.Wales is considering introducing a similar scheme.
How many people can I meet outdoors?How many people can I meet outdoors?
In England, groups of up to six people from different households can gather outside, in parks or private gardens. In England, groups of up to six people from different households can gather outside, in parks or private gardens. Unlimited numbers of people from a maximum of two households can also meet.
In Scotland, three separate households - up to a recommended maximum of eight people - can now meet outdoors.In Scotland, three separate households - up to a recommended maximum of eight people - can now meet outdoors.
In Wales, any number of people from two different households can meet each other outside. As in Scotland, families should aim to travel no more than five miles, but some longer journeys will be allowed from 22 June on compassionate grounds. Beauty spots remain closed until 6 July. In Wales, any number of people from two different households can meet each other outside. As in Scotland, families should aim to travel no more than five miles, but some longer journeys have been allowed since 22 June on compassionate grounds. Beauty spots remain closed until 6 July.
In Northern Ireland, groups of up to six people who do not live together can meet outdoors.In Northern Ireland, groups of up to six people who do not live together can meet outdoors.
In all countries, children are included in the headcount and social distancing guidelines - remaining 2m (6ft) apart from each other - apply. In all countries, children are included in the headcount and social distancing guidelines - remaining 2m (6ft) apart from each other - apply. It will be a minimum of one metre in England from 4 July.
What sports can I play now?What sports can I play now?
People in England can exercise outside with up to five others from different households. In Scotland, people from two households, in groups of up to eight people, can exercise outside.People in England can exercise outside with up to five others from different households. In Scotland, people from two households, in groups of up to eight people, can exercise outside.
So having a kickabout with a football in the park is allowed in both countries, as long as people stay 2m (6ft) apart. So having a kickabout with a football in the park is allowed in both countries, as long as people stay 2m (6ft) apart (1m in England from 4 July).
However, full games with someone from outside your household are still not allowed because of the physical contact involved.However, full games with someone from outside your household are still not allowed because of the physical contact involved.
Small groups of sports teams can also resume fitness sessions.Small groups of sports teams can also resume fitness sessions.
Individual sports permitted in England, with social distancing, include athletics, golf, horse riding and tennis, where doubles is also allowed with someone from outside your household.Individual sports permitted in England, with social distancing, include athletics, golf, horse riding and tennis, where doubles is also allowed with someone from outside your household.
Tennis can also be played in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Golf can be enjoyed everywhere.Tennis can also be played in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Golf can be enjoyed everywhere.
From 22 June, non-professional elite athletes can resume training, and restrictions on outdoor sports courts will be lifted for non-contact sports in Wales.From 22 June, non-professional elite athletes can resume training, and restrictions on outdoor sports courts will be lifted for non-contact sports in Wales.
From 29 June, outdoor playgrounds and sports courts will open in Scotland.From 29 June, outdoor playgrounds and sports courts will open in Scotland.
Who has to still stay at home?Who has to still stay at home?
People with certain underlying health conditions, or who are pregnant or aged over 70, are deemed to be clinically vulnerable. If you are in this category, you are advised to stay at home as much as possible.People with certain underlying health conditions, or who are pregnant or aged over 70, are deemed to be clinically vulnerable. If you are in this category, you are advised to stay at home as much as possible.
Another group, of about 2.5 million people, is categorised as clinically extremely vulnerable.Another group, of about 2.5 million people, is categorised as clinically extremely vulnerable.
This group had been strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid face-to-face contact - so called "shielding".This group had been strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid face-to-face contact - so called "shielding".
Now those people in England and Wales are being told they can spend some time outdoors again - either with members of their household, or by meeting someone else at a social distance.Now those people in England and Wales are being told they can spend some time outdoors again - either with members of their household, or by meeting someone else at a social distance.
In England from 6 July they will be able to set up support bubbles and meet up to five other people outdoors. From 1 August they will be able to stop shielding.
People shielding in Scotland have also been told they can now spend time outdoors for exercise, either alone or with people from one other household in groups of no more than eight.People shielding in Scotland have also been told they can now spend time outdoors for exercise, either alone or with people from one other household in groups of no more than eight.
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.
Virus transmission is less likely when ''fresh'' air is involved - usually when people are outside.Virus transmission is less likely when ''fresh'' air is involved - usually when people are outside.
In England, extra precautions are suggested for people who are going within one metre of those outside their households such as avoiding face-to-face seating.
What if I have symptoms?What if I have symptoms?
If you show symptoms of coronavirus - such as a dry cough, high temperature or loss of taste - you must take extra precautions.If you show symptoms of coronavirus - such as a dry cough, high temperature or loss of taste - you must take extra precautions.
You should self-isolate - stay at home and not leave it for any reason. Ask others to drop off food and medicines.You should self-isolate - stay at home and not leave it for any reason. Ask others to drop off food and medicines.
If England's NHS Test and Trace team contact you because you've been close to someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, you must self-isolate for up to 14 days - even if you feel fine.If England's NHS Test and Trace team contact you because you've been close to someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, you must self-isolate for up to 14 days - even if you feel fine.
The people you live with don't have to self-isolate, but must take extra care regarding social distancing and hand washing.The people you live with don't have to self-isolate, but must take extra care regarding social distancing and hand washing.
There are similar tracing systems in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.There are similar tracing systems in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.