What is social distancing and how does it slow the spread of the coronavirus?
SOCIAL distancing has been described as one of the most effective methods to tackle the outbreak of Covid-19.
According to experts, this practice will help to slow down the spread of the deadly bug.
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It comes as the pandemic has affected thousands of people across the globe - with cases in 183 countries.
And in the UK alone, the number of those infected with coronavirus has risen to 5,837 with the death toll standing at 335 as of Monday evening.
What is social distancing?
Social distancing simply means keeping your distance from other people.
It means where possible everyone is encouraged to stay at home, only going out to exercise in small family groups, or shop.
Where you can, the Government is encouraging all Brits to work from home.
And where you do come into contact with other people, experts advise you keep two metres - or 6ft - between you and any other people.
Social distancing also suggests you reduce general contact with people.
Public Health England says: "Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible".
Also, PHE advises to work from home and avoid large and small gatherings.
On Friday, the Government ordered all pubs, clubs, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres to close to encourage people to follow the advice around social distancing.
On March 16, Boris Johnson also spoke about the importance of social distancing and urged people to work from home.
The current advice is everyone must follow PHE's guidance on social distancing, not only those at high risk.
Experts said social distancing is vital to reduce pressure on the NHS - as it faces it's "greatest ever challenge".
How does social distancing slow the spread of the coronavirus?
The more people come into contact with droplets from an infected person's coughs and sneezes, the more likely they are to catch coronavirus.
Scientists believe that under normal circumstances, the average person will infect 2.5 other people every five days.
When this ratio is continued for a month, 400 people will become infected.
However, the infection rate can be reduced if contacted with other people is avoided.
If the infection ratio were to be halved to 1:1.25 every five days then each infected person would be responsible for just 15 infections each month, rather than 400, and the spread of the virus will slow.
How far do I need to stay from other people?
The general advice is to maintain a distance of about two metres from other people.
Keeping a distance will make it less likely for droplets from the nose or mouth to land on you when they sneeze or cough.
The virus is transmitted by droplets in the air, settling on surfaces and being picked up by others - or when droplets land directly on you.
If you can reach out to touch someone, that should tell you that you are too close.
Tips to social distance
The UK government have shared several steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people.
This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus. They are to...
- Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
- Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible
- Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this.
- Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces, noting that pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather together.
- Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.
- Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services
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Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is practicable.
You should follow the above measures as much as you can and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible, particularly if you are over 70, have an underlying health condition or are pregnant.
How long will social distancing rules be in place?
How long social distancing should be practised depends on a number of factors.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer of England, Jenny Harries, says some form of social distancing is likely to be required for up to six months, with lockdown for up to three of those months.
She commented:“To make it clear to the public, if we are successful we will have squashed the top of that curve [of infections] which is brilliant.
“But we must not then revert to our normal way of living — that would be quite dangerous.
“If we stop, then all our efforts will be wasted and we could potentially see a second peak.
“So over time, probably over the next six months, we will have a three-week review, see where we are going, keep that lid on.
“Then gradually we will be able to hopefully adjust some of the social distancing measures and gradually get us back to normal.”
But she added: “And it is plausible that it could go much further than that.”
