When could social distancing end?
- Published
A government review is looking at how long we need to keep observing social distance.
The findings will be assessed before the final stage of lifting lockdown in England is confirmed - this is scheduled for 21 June, but may well be delayed.
What is the review looking at?
The Social Distancing Review will assess whether existing rules in England, designed to limit virus transmission, could be relaxed.
It's going to consider how, and when, to safely lift/amend:
It's also working on new advice "to enable individuals to take informed personal choices".
What else will guide decisions on social distancing?
Another review is underway looking at whether "Covid-status certification" - the introduction of so-called vaccine passports - could help with social-distancing relaxation.
It's exploring how certification might help:
- fully reopen the economy
- increase venue capacities
- improve safety
Are there any more reviews?
There are two others:
When will we know the conclusions of the reviews?
The reviews were set up to look at how Covid-19 should be handled "from summer onwards".
Their findings will inform wider policy for step four of the roadmap plan - which will happen on 21 June at the earliest, but could be delayed past then.
The global travel review is already influencing the green, amber and red country lists (next review due by 28 June).
Why is social distancing important?
Coronavirus spreads mainly when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks - sending small droplets, packed with the virus, into the air.
The further apart people are, the lower the risk of infected spreading.
What's the latest social distancing guidance?
Across the UK, social distancing guidance says you should be 2m (6ft) apart from people you don't live/bubble with.
But there are exceptions.
In England:
In Scotland:
In Northern Ireland:
What about areas where there are Covid spikes?
Guidance has been issued for areas of England where the Delta/Indian variant is spreading strongly:
- Bedford
- Lancashire (County Council area)
- Blackburn with Darwen
- Greater Manchester
- Kirklees
- Leicester
- Hounslow
- North Tyneside
If you live in these areas you should:
- meet outside rather than inside
- keep 2m apart from people you don't live with, including close friends/family
- minimise travel in and out of your local area
I've been vaccinated, why do I still need to socially distance?
The chances of becoming sick with Covid are massively reduced after two jabs, but it's not yet known:
Also, scientists are still learning how many people have to be vaccinated before the population can be considered protected.
Do I still need to wear a face covering?
Yes - you could be fined if you refuse to wear a face covering in many public places. Some people are exempt, including children under 11.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have similar rules.
How many people can I meet?
There are legal limits, rather than guidance, on how many people can meet.
In England:
Children are included in headcounts. Professional carers are not. Support bubbles count as one household.
In Scotland:
In all areas, under-12s do not count towards the total number of people/households meeting outside, but they do count towards household numbers indoors.
In Wales:
In Northern Ireland: