The government is urging people to socially distance themselves from each other amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In a press conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK could 'turn the tide of this disease' within 12 weeks and send the virus packing.
He said: "I know it's tough, I know it's difficult, but we've just got to do it together. Please follow the advice.
"It depends on collective resolute action."
So what exactly is the advice on social distancing? And who is being urged to be more strictly following the rules?
Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce the social interaction between people.
The government says that this will reduce the risk of people spreading Covid-19.
Ways of reducing social contact include:
- Avoiding contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.
- Avoiding non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible.
- Working from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this.
- Avoiding large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs.
- Avoiding gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as the phone, the internet, and social media.
- Using the telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.
The government is urging everyone to follow these rules where possible.
People who are considered to be vulnerable or high-risk are being told to 'significantly limit face-to-face interaction with friends and family'.
These include people who are over 70, have an underlying health condition, or are pregnant.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which is advising the government on its anti-coronavirus policies, has warned that social distancing measures could need to be in force for up to 12 months.
This is to have the proper impact and protect the NHS from being overwhelmed.
The scientists say we could switch between periods when we are told to social distance, and periods when the rules are relaxed.
The report reads: "It was agreed that a policy of alternating between periods of more and less strict social distancing measures could plausibly be effective at keeping the number of critical care cases within capacity.
"These would need to be in place for at least most of a year.
"Under such a policy, at least half of the year would be spent under the stricter social distancing measures."
For more advice on social distancing and how to protect yourself and others from Covid-19, visit Public Health England.
