What is social distancing and self-isolation?

People have been urged to keep a distance

The UK government has taken further action to limit the spread of coronavirus. Shops selling non-essential items are to close, along with libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship.Weddings and baptisms will be banned but funerals will be allowed. Gatherings of more than two people not from the same household will be banned. People are only to do one form of exercise a day on their own or with a member of their household.

The only other acceptable reasons to leave the house are:

Shopping for basic necessities, although this should be done as little as possible. For one form of exercise once a day. Medical need or to provide care for a vulnerable person. Travel to or from work but only where this is absolutely necessary.

What should I be doing?

If people have to go outside - to buy food for example - they must stay more than 2m (6.5ft) apart from others. Cafes, pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres have all already been told to close. The move is part of social distancing measures to minimise non-essential contact.

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. 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. The less time people spend together, the less chance there is of this happening.

Who should self-isolate?

Everyone who shows coronavirus symptoms - a fever of above 37.8C, a persistent cough or breathing problem - and everyone who lives in the same house or flat as someone with symptoms.

If you live alone, you must stay at home for seven days from the day symptoms start.

If you, or someone you live with, develop symptoms, the entire household needs to isolate for 14 days to monitor for signs of Covid-19.

If someone else does become ill during that period, their seven-day isolation starts that day.

The person with the symptoms should stay in a well-ventilated room with a window that can be opened, and keep away from other people in the home.

People are being advised not to ring NHS 111 or their GP to report their symptoms unless they are worried.

Who shouldn't go out at all?

About 1.5 million people with very serious health conditions will be contacted by the NHS and urged not go out at all for at least 12 weeks. This is being referred to as shielding.

Others in the same household, and carers, can go out as long they observe proper social distancing.

What happens if you have a vulnerable person living with you during self-isolation?

You should keep at least 2m away from a vulnerable person (such as pregnant women, the elderly or those with an underlying health condition) during any period of isolation, according to PHE.

Limit time spent together in shared spaces, like kitchens, and keep all rooms well-ventilated. If they can, the vulnerable person should take their meals back to their room to eat.

A vulnerable person should also use separate towels from the rest of the household. If possible, they should use a separate bathroom. If that is not possible, the bathroom should be cleaned every time it's used (for example, wiping surfaces with which you have come into contact).

People living with someone in isolation should wash their hands often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds - especially after coming into contact with them.

Personal waste (like tissues) should be double-bagged and put aside for 72 hours before being put in your outside bin.