APPENDIX 4

Government guidance on “social distancing”, etc.

 

On 16th March, the government published comprehensive guidance on “social distancing”, which was intended for everyone, including children, and updated this guidance a week later when “lockdown” was announced.

It advised on measures “we should all be taking to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19)”.

It stated: “We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures. This group includes those who are:

• aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)

• under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (i.e. anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):

chronic (long-term) mild to moderate respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis chronic heart disease, such as heart failure, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis, chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy, diabetes, a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets, being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above), and those who are pregnant.”

The guidance went on to list some clinical conditions which put people at even higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. and said that people in this category would be contacted by the NHS in England with advice about the more stringent measures to be taken.

The guidance stated that “social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19)”, and said:

• 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. Please refer to employer guidance for more information

• 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

Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is practicable.

It continued: “We strongly advise you to 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, are pregnant.”

It added: “This advice is likely to be in place for some weeks.”

Turning to handwashing and other measures, the guidance stated: “There are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• washing your hands more often – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser when you get home or into work, when you blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food;

• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;

• avoid close contact with people who have symptoms;

• cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your hands;

• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home.

The guidance also told us to self-isolate at home for seven days if we developed symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature and/or new and continuous cough).

 

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