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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)
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. Lockdown restrictions are being eased further in England, with social distance guidance changing to "one metre plus" from 4 July.
When distancing of two metres (six feet) 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. When distancing of two metres (six feet) 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? How can I meet up with family and friends?
In England from 4 July, members of two households can meet each other either inside or outside. In England from 4 July, members of two households of any size 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 at once. Members of the two households will still have to socially distance. You can meet different households - but no more than two households should meet at any one time.
They would be allowed to stay overnight. Social distancing will still have to be observed - although the rules are changing from two metres to "one metre plus".
This is in addition to what you are currently allowed to do in a support bubble. People will be able to stay overnight.
In Scotland, three households should be able to meet indoors from 10 July - while socially distancing. They can already meet outside. The five-mile travel limit in Scotland is expected to be lifted from 3 July,
In Northern Ireland, groups of up to six people not in the same household can now meet indoors while social distancing. Nine people can meet outside.
In Wales, any number of people from two different households can now meet outdoors observing social distancing - but meetings indoors are still not allowed. Families should aim to travel no more than five miles to meet.
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 and those 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 don't have to observe social distancing and can stay overnight. But if anyone develops coronavirus symptoms, everyone in the bubble must self-isolate.
They will not have to stay 2m apart and can stay overnight. If you don't live on your own, or live with a child or children aged over 18, you can't form a bubble.
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. Wales is expected to make a decision on social bubbles in the next few weeks.
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.
Wales is considering introducing a similar scheme.
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. 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 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 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?
Rules still vary by country.
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 (1m in England from 4 July). In Wales, you must exercise alone, or with members of your household, or with people from one other household. The rules in Northern Ireland state that: "Outdoor activities in general are now permitted, subject to social distancing being maintained."
However, full games with someone from outside your household are still not allowed because of the physical contact involved. So having a kickabout with a football in the park is possible in each country, as long as you stay 2m (6ft) apart (1m in England from 4 July). However, full games with someone from outside your household aren't allowed because of the physical contact involved.
Small groups of sports teams can also resume fitness sessions. Tennis and golf can now be played in all four UK nations.
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.
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.
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". "Shielders" in England can now go outside for daily exercise and, from 6 July, will also be to meet up to five other people outdoors while social distancing. They will also be allowed to form a support bubble. It is hoped that from 1 August they will be able to stop shielding. The guidance in Northern Ireland is similar.
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 Wales, those shielding can now exercise close to home. There are similar rules in Scotland.
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.
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. 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.