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The coronavirus pandemic has forced many people to adapt and change their social lives. For many, this has meant reducing social face-to-face interactions with friends and family outside their household for several weeks. Lockdown restrictions are easing, but until a vaccine is developed the risk remains. Express.co.uk has compiled a list of six ways to keep safe when meeting friends.

Stay two metres apart

The Government has advised people to practise social distance and keep two metres apart to protect themselves from catching and spreading coronavirus.

Scientists have found that droplets of liquid released by coughs or sneezes evaporate quickly in the air or fall to the ground.

A review into this rule will be undertaken in the coming weeks to reassess if the rule should be relaxed.

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Avoid hugging

All close contact should be avoided for now because it will help to slow the spread of coronavirus.

However, some experts have suggested hugging can be done somewhat safely and can be incredibly beneficial for a person’s mental health.

Dr Marc Van Ranst, an epidemiologist at the KU Leuven University in Belgium, claimed hugging is “safer than shaking hands” when coronavirus lockdown eases.

Stay outside

Staying outside is said to lower the risk of infection as people can more easily comply to social distancing rules.

Scientists have said the virus spreads far more easily indoors, compared to outside.

In addition, exposure to sunlight can kill viruses on surfaces more quickly.

Hanging together inside a home should be avoided where possible, even allowing people outside your household to use your bathroom can raise this risk.

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Avoid sharing toys

Though the infection rate is lower among children than adults, this does not mean they are immune altogether.

Arranging socially distanced playdates for children is fine to go ahead, but using shared toys should be avoided as much as possible.

Divvy up snacks

A picnic is an enjoyable activity which can easily become a socially distanced gathering for up to six people.

Experts claim there is no major risk in sharing snacks, but it is safest to avoid doing so where possible.

If you do end up sharing snack, it is advisable to keep your hands as clean as possible.

With crisps and other sharing snacks, it is best to divvy up supplies between different households beforehand rather than sharing a communal supply.

Avoid swimming in a pool

Swimming in a pool does not make catching coronavirus any riskier.

Currently, anyone with coronavirus symptoms has been warned not to attend swimming pools.

When pools reopen, swimmers are asked to arrive “ready to swim” and asked to leave the venue as soon as they can afterwards – as well as showering at home pre- and post-swimming.

If anyone has their own pool, it is advised to adhere to strict hygiene procedures where possible, especially with those outside their household.

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