Less than half are social distancing

LESS than half of adults spending time with others are fully respecting social distancing measures when they meet, a survey suggests.

Almost three-quarters of adults polled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said they had socialised with others during the last seven days, with 50% welcoming family or friends into their homes.

Of the 1,150 people who reported socialising, 47% said they had always maintained social distancing, with this proportion rising to 70% of those aged 70 and over.

Three in 10 (31%) said they often followed the measures, 13% said they sometimes did, while 8% said they rarely or never followed the rule.

More than a quarter (26%) said they had met up with between five and 10 people, while 6% said the group was larger than 10.

It comes as people from different households in Greater Manchester, parts of east Lancashire and West Yorkshire were banned from meeting up in their homes or gardens.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said “households not abiding by the rules” was a reason for the stricter rules.