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?
There are now 13 areas of England where you are advised to:
- meet friends and family outside
- keep 2m (6ft) apart from people you don't live or bubble with
- minimise travel in and out of affected areas
These are Bedford, Birmingham, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Greater Manchester, Kirklees, Lancashire (county council area), Leicester, Liverpool City Region (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral), North Tyneside and Warrington.
The London Borough of Hounslow has been removed from the list.
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: