±«Óãtv

The public has been divided into four categories:

Group 1: Those with symptoms

"If you have a new persistent cough and/or a fever your whole household has to now stay home for 14 days. If you live by yourself the seven day rule applies."

Group 2: The clinically high risk – e.g. chemotherapy patients

"They’re going to get individual contact from the health service, and they’re going to be told what to do by this weekend."

Group 3: The over 70s; people who get flu vaccine for health reasons; and pregnant women

"Cut back social contact as much as you can – nothing non-essential. Do not go to work. Do not travel on public transport, do not have large family gatherings."

Group 4: Everybody else

"We’re asking as many people as possible to work from home. Don’t use public transport unless you absolutely have to. Do not meet in big groups or socially in small groups."

More on the coronavirus pandemic

Here are some of the key questions and answers from the programme.

My daughter is in category 3; am I right to keep her out of school?

"Yes. What we’re trying to do is reduce the risk in those who are vulnerable."

Professor Leitch advised that not going to school doesn't mean cutting yourself off from society. Small groups of asymptomatic friends can visit, provided they wash their hands.

Should my March wedding go ahead?

"It should not. Not in a big room."

Do asymptomatic children have to stop socialising?

"They don’t, but they have to adapt," advised Professor Leitch.

"We realise that it's difficult to ask teenagers not to gather, and not every household has Netflix and iPads.

"The is a really good resource for young people about how they can behave during this pandemic."

I'm category 3 and look after elderly parents and young grandchildren, what should I not do?

"As much as you possibly can, reduce social contact," said Professor Leitch. "Of course, keep in touch with family but you have to be very careful with your parents. We’re trying to protect the vulnerable in the community.

"If you can have the grandchildren looked after somewhere else you should do that. But if they have to come, you should be cautious about distancing, make sure they wash their hands when they arrive. Don’t hug or kiss them."

I’m category 3, self employed and work mostly alone. Should I stay away from work?

According to Professor Leitch this very much depends on the type of work you do.

"If you have no contact with people then I think you can go to your work. It’s about social contact, you shouldn’t use public transport if you don’t have to. You should stay away from other people as much as you can."

What does social distancing mean?

Professor Leitch explained: "The science requires the virus to be in fluid, to transport in some form to the next person and that person to take it in.

"I would have to cough or spit either at you directly or on to a surface that you then touched and put in your nose, your eyes, or your mouth. The science says that you need to be 2 metres apart for that to be almost impossible. Within a metre it’s difficult; if we’re closer than a metre it’s likely. So keeping that level of social distancing is going to be helpful."

More on the coronavirus pandemic