Social distancing strategies and advice for work, schools, home and public transport following UK coronavirus lockdown

TO stop the spread of coronavirus, health officials have advised the public to practice social distancing.

This means staying at home, avoiding crowds and keeping at least two metres - or six feet - away from other people.

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It can be difficult to put into practice, especially for families with young kids or key workers across the country.

But those who don't have been branded "selfish" by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

And the public have now been asked to stay at home at all times - with only the following exceptions:

• Shopping for food or medicine
• One form of exercise for yourself or pets alone or with members of your household only. Not friends.
• Medical appointments or as a carer visiting a vulnerable person.
• Travel to and from work for essential workers only.

If you must head outside then here are some steps you can take to keep safe...

Social distancing at work

Anyone who is able to work from home has now been advised to do, to lower the risk of passing on the virus.

This does not include key workers, such as doctors and nurses who are unable to work from home, as well as bank workers, food delivery staff and public transport staff.

If this includes you, it is advised to stay two metres away from others on public transport and avoid travelling during busy hours, if possible.

And remember to keep washing your hands - for 20 seconds at a time - and avoid touching your face.

Depending on your occupation, you may want to consider wearing a face mask and gloves.

Social distancing at schools

Only parents who are key workers are being advised to take their children to school.

Kids at school should avoid sitting next to each other and after school activities and meet ups should be avoided.

Adults should maintain a two metre distance to other families when dropping their kids off.

It's also important to keep practicing regular handwashing and not touching your face.

Social distancing at home

The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to social distance at home, meaning avoiding going out unless necessary.

Visits to families and friends houses are warned against, as this can easily spread coronavirus, even if no-one displays symptoms.

If someone in your home has coronavirus, it is advised to try and avoid contact, but to also self-isolate for 14 days.

The best way to stay in touch is by phone or online - not in person.

Social distancing on public transport

Only essential travel is advised on public transport, primarily for people who are key workers.

If it cannot be avoided, then staying more than two metres away from other people is advised, as well as avoiding peak periods of travel.

Everyone else is urged to avoid public transport such as buses and trains altogether.

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Officials have said social distancing measures introduced by the government could go on for 12 to 18 months.

Dr Jenny Harries, England's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, told Sky News: "It is likely such measures - most notably, large scale social distancing - will need to be in place for many months - perhaps until a vaccine becomes available.

"The effects on countries and the world will be profound".