What is social distancing?

Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

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.
• 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. You can find the latest social distancing guidelines on the government website.

Some people will be more at risk than others. You can find out about who is included in the high risk and vulnerable groups by reading out Husp hub articles.

What if I can’t work from home?

Where possible we are looking at remote working options, however sometimes this won’t be possible for a variety of reasons. Where working from home is not possible:

• We are looking at spreading out people across sites
• Reviewing and encouraging the use of split shifts
• Asking anyone with symptoms of a temperature or cough not to come to work
• Upped the cleaning of all offices
• Been more flexible with start and finish times to avoid peak travel times on public transport