Self Isolation: Why is it Important?
Hannah Copsey explains the importance of social distancing in the midst of a pandemic.
Boris Johnson has recently introduced new restrictive measures to combat the spread of coronavirus. This includes only leaving the house for essential reasons, such as food and medicine, as well as limiting outdoor walks to one per day. BBC health correspondent Laura Foster has looked at the statistics behind social distancing and how it prevents further spreading of disease.
Prior to social distancing, one infected individual had the potential to spread the disease to 416 others.
On average, a person who contracts coronavirus will spread it to around two to three people within a week. Many of these people will be asymptomatic, showing no signs of disease, meaning they can unknowingly spread it to other individuals and proliferate the number of cases. Prior to social distancing, one infected individual had the potential to spread the disease to 416 others. This number can be reduced to around 15 following new measures. This will prevent the NHS from being overworked and allow more lives to be saved.
