Q&A: I have covid...what are the rules for going out?

Saturday 24 July 2021

From today, islanders with covid are allowed out for two hours a day in the fresh air - but where can they go? What can they do? Can they meet other people?

The new guidance has been issued to help "support the well being" of islanders who are isolating for whatever reason.

Where can I go?

You can leave isolation for no more than two hours each day for the purpose of outdoor exercise and fresh air.

This can be in an outdoor public space such as a beach, a park, outdoor lanes. Marquees, or any form of enclosed or semi-enclosed structure are not considered as outside.

If your home has a communal garden shared with other households, you can use this providing you are able to maintain as much distance as possible and at least two metres from other residents.

To protect others, you must stay outdoors and should not go anywhere that is crowded including shopping areas or any other places where people congregate.

Anyone under the age of 16 should be accompanied by a responsible adult from within the household. Where possible, the same adult should accompany the child or young person at any subsequent time for exercise and fresh air.

If you walk with your dog, it should be kept on a lead to avoid approaching other people and increasing interaction with other people.

What do I need to do before leaving home?

Make sure your hands are thoroughly washed and sanitised and avoid touching your face.

If you live in a block of flats or other accommodation where you share communal areas with other residents avoid touching communal door handles and surfaces, and keep windows open for ventilation.

You should wear a mask when contact with other people cannot be avoided, for example in communal spaces, car parks, lifts (try to use the stairs if you can) and if you have symptoms.

Pictured: You should bring hand sanitiser with you.

To keep yourself safe, take your mobile phone with you in case you become unwell.

Take a spare mask, hand sanitiser (70%+ alcohol content), sanitiser wipes and a plastic bag to dispose of the wipes once you have safely wiped down any touch points like benches, or communal door handles.

If you are isolating in hotel accommodation, you should discuss safe entry and exit points with them.

Can I meet up with other people?

You should not meet up anyone who is not part of your household or go into people's homes.

You should avoid busy times of the day to go out and make sure you stay two metres away from anyone you come in "passing contact" with.

Can I drive?

You should try to walk to your preferred outdoor location or drive yourself with no-one else in the vehicle, if you feel well enough to drive.

If you need to use a car with other people, you should only ever travel with another household member.

You should sit in the rear, all windows must be kept open and everyone in the car is advised to wear a mask as you are in a confined space.

Pictured: If a member of your household has to drive you, you should sit in the rear and everyone should wear a mask.

All touch points in the car should be sanitised after your journey home.

Can I buy food at a kiosk?

During the two-hour period, you must not purchase any items, including food and drink, even at takeaway or outside venues, or take food and drink with you.

You should not enter any indoor premises or use any bus or taxi.

You can not attend sporting or any other events.

CLICK HERE for more information.