What are the social distancing rules and when could they end?
- Published
A review is looking at how long social distance might be needed.
The findings will influence decisions about lifting England's final restrictions, which is not likely to happen until 19 July.
What is the review looking at?
The Social Distancing Review has been considering how, and when, to lift or amend:
It has also been working on new advice to help people make "informed personal choices".
Details of the review will be made public ahead of the final easing, which has been delayed four weeks from 21 June.
What else will guide decisions on social distancing?
Another review is looking at whether so-called Covid passports could help end social distancing.
It's considering how they might help:
- reopen the economy
- increase venue capacities
- improve safety
There are two other reviews:
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 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.
The government has extended the guidance to cover six more areas of England - Birmingham, Blackpool, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Liverpool City Region (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral) and Warrington.
"Wherever possible" you should:
- meet outside
- keep 2m apart from people you don't live with
- 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: