What is social distancing? Thanks for asking!

The term social distancing refers to measures taken to reduce physical contact between people to a minimum. The aim is to stop a contagious disease from spreading, in cases such as the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. 

This can be done by ordering citizens to avoid shaking hands for example. Or in more extreme circumstances, people must stay a minimum distance away from others when in public, or remain under lockdown.

One of the earliest instances of social distancing was introduced in October 1918, during the Spanish Flu pandemic. Max C. Starkloff, Health Commissioner in St Louis, Missouri, closed all public venues and banned gatherings of more than 20 people.

At the official end of the lockdown, will we get back to normal? Do we risk further coronavirus peaks by coming out of lockdown? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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