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.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
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 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 .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
