Going the distance to keep society safe - the coronavirus rules explained

Group of young adults practising social distancing. File image. Credit: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

Coronavirus has forced people everywhere to make dramatic changes to their lives as governments work to try to drive the rate of infections down.

From self-isolating to social distancing to when can you actually leave home - by law.

Here, we explain some of the most important measures we’re all now being compelled to observe.

What is social distancing?

Firstly, it means keeping a physical distance between yourself and others.

Secondly, it applies to the tough restrictions in place to stop people gathering in groups.

How close can I get to others?

The medical advice is you should keep 1.5 metres away from other people.

No more handshakes, hugging or even air kisses.

But chief medical officer Brendan Murphy has conceded families or people who live in the same house can hardly avoid being in such close proximity.

What about touching things like surfaces?

Research shows the virus can last a long time - up to three days - on surfaces after sick people have touched them.

Surfaces should be wiped down regularly with disinfectant. File image. Credit: Kiwis/Getty Images/iStockphoto

You need to wash your hands frequently with soap or an alcohol-based sanitiser.

And pay for things using tap-and-go contactless methods.

Why must I stay at home?

To avoid other people as much as possible and thus avoid spreading or contracting the virus.

Governments have put in place increasingly tighter restrictions on social gatherings.

The current state of play is you should not leave your house unless you need to:

• shop for essentials (such as food or medicine)
• exercise in a public space
• go to a medical appointment
• head to work or school if you cannot work or learn from home

File image of woman on public transport. Credit: Getty Images

You are also allowed to go out if you are caring or supporting someone living elsewhere - such as buying groceries for an elderly relative or neighbour.

People aged over 70, those over 65 with pre-existing conditions, and indigenous people over 50 with pre-existing conditions should stay home wherever possible.

Can I meet people outside?

Gatherings are restricted to two people, indoors and outdoors.

That means you can catch up with one friend to walk or run through a park - but you should still keep 1.5m between you.

Is this the law now?

It depends on where you live.

Victoria, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania have issued legal directions requiring people to stay home unless they have to leave for one of the acceptable reasons.

Exercising is allowed. File image of person walking on the promenade next to Bondi Beach. Credit: JAMES GOURLEY/AAPIMAGE

But SA, WA, the NT and the ACT have left the guidance as “strong advice” to stay at home.

Most states have a regime of policing and fines for breaching restrictions.

What exceptions are there?

Some exceptions are allowed on compassionate grounds, such as funerals - although only 10 mourners are allowed - and visiting terminally-ill relatives.

There are also exemptions for split families who have shared custody arrangements, so children can continue to visit or stay with both parents.

What if I don’t live with my boyfriend or girlfriend?

Again, the rules are mixed depending on where you live.

Victoria’s police minister says you cannot visit a partner’s house for social reasons.

FILE IMAGE. Victorian partners who do not live together can only see each other outside the home. Credit: Getty

But in NSW, the police commissioner said that was allowed.

Tasmania’s government advises that up to two visitors are allowed to a household at any one time, but cautions people should still be wary of limiting unnecessary travel between homes.

And the federal health department says extended family members or partners should minimise visits.