Thread by @MyDoncaster

Are you confused about what the latest COVID-19 guidance actually means for you?

Well, luckily, because we’re a local government authority, we’re fluent in this kind of language.

Allow us to translate it for you.

‘Stay Alert’

Don’t worry - this doesn’t mean that you should be walking around like a ninja for the next few weeks, ready for a big cloud of #covid19 to pounce.

We think this just means don’t get complacent, and basically keep doing what you’ve already been doing to stay safe – no risky business.

‘Control the virus’

Again, you’re not being asked to develop Derren Brown-style mind control techniques.

This is just a fancy way of saying that if we all keep physical distancing, staying away from crowds of people and being careful, we’ll avoid a second spike of cases.

Imagine a giant 2m ruler between you and everyone else, and keep that image in your head.

But what about your job?

Some people were left confused over whether the announcement means they have to go back to work.

The short answer is yes, but ONLY if it's safe to do so.

But let’s just unpick that a bit more.

Of course, we will all need the economy and businesses to get back on their feet, but people must feel safe and well protected.

No one should feel pressured into going back to work until it’s absolutely safe to do so - your employer has an obligation to make sure the workplace is safe.

You need to know how you can commute safely too.

Walk, cycle or take the car if you can, but public transport is available with safety measures too.

Should we be going outside?

Again, the short answer is: yes you can.

You’re allowed to leave your house multiple times a day for walks, jogs, and can sit in public places (at a safe distance from other people).

(You can also play tennis and basketball with one other person, as well as go fishing - don't try to do it at the same time though, that's just ASKING for trouble)

What this DOESN’T mean is that we should all be flocking to parks, town centres, village greens and other people’s gardens like it’s all safe again - you should still only leave the house for exercise and essential shopping.

And if you go into enclosed spaces then use a face covering – it doesn’t have to be a face mask, just something that covers your face and mouth.

When can you see your family?

Basically...we’ll all have to wait a bit longer to have family gatherings and or parties.

There is still a big risk of a second spike in #coronavirus cases, so going round to see your family is still not allowed for the time being.

You can meet one person from outside of your household, as long as you keep 2 metres between you and are outside.

We know how hard that is to face, but the ultimate way to show how much we love our families is to go without seeing them for a bit longer.

So, in summary, the ultimate thing to take away from all of this is that we should keep doing what we’ve already been doing.

Keep your distance from others, use your common sense and only leave your house for daily exercise and essential shopping.

And, if you keep following Doncaster Council on social media, next week we’ll be explaining the plot of the film ‘Inception’. That can be a bit confusing too.