PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Coronavirus: Social Distancing (25 March 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish guidance on how social distancing measures implemented by the Government in response to the covid-19 outbreak can help (a) slow the spread of covid-19 and (b) reduce pressure on the NHS.

Asked by:
Sir John Hayes (Conservative)

Following expert advice, the Government has issued social distancing measures. These measures will limit the spread of COVID-19 by helping to stop non-essential contact and lessen the demand on the National Health Service. Businesses have been asked to close except for supermarkets or retailers that supply fuel, medicines and other vital goods.

Under the restrictions, people must stay at home and only leave for the following reasons; to exercise once a day - either alone, or with members of their household; shopping for basic necessities, although this should be done as little as possible; medical need or to provide care for a vulnerable person; travel to or from work but only where this is absolutely necessary.

Several guidance documents have been published, which can be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Answered by:
Helen Whately (Conservative)
30 April 2020