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Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules? Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules?
(about 16 hours later)
Lockdown restrictions are being eased further in England, with social distance guidance changing to "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?
How can I meet up with family and friends?How can I meet up with family and friends?
In England from 4 July, members of two households of any size 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.
You can meet different households - but no more than two households should meet at any one time.You can meet different households - but no more than two households should meet at any one time.
Social distancing will still have to be observed - although the rules are changing from two metres to "one metre plus".Social distancing will still have to be observed - although the rules are changing from two metres to "one metre plus".
People will be able to stay overnight.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 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 Northern Ireland, groups of up to six people not in the same household can now meet indoors while social distancing. Up to 10 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.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 and those in each bubble can visit each other's homes and go inside.The second household can be of any size and those 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 don't have to observe social distancing and can stay overnight. But if anyone develops coronavirus symptoms, everyone in the bubble must self-isolate.
If you don't live on your own, or live with a child or children aged over 18, you can't form a bubble.If you don't live on your own, or live with a child or children aged over 18, you can't form a bubble.
Wales is expected to make a decision on social bubbles in the next few weeks.Wales is expected to make a decision on social bubbles in the next few weeks.
What sports can I play now?What sports can I play now?
Rules still vary by country.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.
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."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."
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.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.
Tennis and golf can now be played in all four UK nations.Tennis and golf can now be played in all four UK nations.
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. This group had been strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid face-to-face contact - so called "shielding".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".
"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."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.
In Wales, those shielding can now exercise close to home. There are similar rules in Scotland.In Wales, those shielding can now exercise close to home. There are similar rules in Scotland.
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.