What’s the difference between lockdown and social distancing?

[CorinnaSinner]

People saying lockdown will end soon but social distancing will continue.

You can’t implement social distancing in what were our normal every day lives just a few weeks ago.

I imagine it means social distancing measures will still be in place but the lockdown will be eased. So more shops may re open, but less people will be allowed in them at a time and will have to keep apart (like supermarkets currently). And you’d be able to go outside more often for ‘non essential’ reasons as long as you adhered to the distancing.
For what it’s worth I don’t believe lockdown is due to end anytime soon.

You can’t implement social distancing in what were our normal every day lives just a few weeks ago

That's the whole point.

It's lockdown or a new normal. And/or possibly a combination of the two (because of the potential for second and subsequent peaks which is regularly discussed in the context of lifting lockdown, and also the next flu season)

I can't see events, even out doors ones, which attract large numbers being permitted for ages, and even though a number of businesses which are currently closed could reopen, I don't think even medium sized gatherings indoors are on the cards soon

Thank you for explAining.

The majority of views I’m seeing are end of May for lockdown.

I just can’t see bars, gyms, beaches etc being ok because realistically you cannot social distance.

I don’t think it will be a case of lockdown suddenly lifting all at once. It would be a gradual process, steps and stages would be implemented. So it’s not like everything would immediately be ‘normal’ if lockdown was lifted, there would most likely be a phased return to services and a gradual process.

So what do you believe will be opened first? Non essential shops? Schools?

Also if there’s no lockdown then won’t groups of people go to public areas like parks and beaches?

I have no idea, but I imagine shops and places with small capacities at first.

Like I said, the lockdown wouldn’t be lifted all at once - so the beaches/parks etc would still be restricted. It wouldn’t suddenly all be a mad free for all on one day.

Imo bars, clubs, concerts etc, anywhere with a crowd of people will be the last to open.

6 ft distancing in shops and queues will continue long term.

I think some counties are reducing student contact in schools, e.g. staggering breaks so students from different classes don't mix, have older class in in the morning, younger classes in the afternoon.

Those who can work from home, keep working from home.

Restaurants with strict social distancing, not squeezing tables into every spare corner.

Public transport will be an issue, maybe limits on capacity. More wfh should reduce demand.

Possibly exam classes in schools will go back first.

Non essential shops but must practise social distancing/ limit customer numbers.

Like many I have been thinking about this too - when and how they ease lockdown will be crucial in terms of avoiding another peak.

When do people think it will be acceptable to have small family gatherings - travelling to other parts of the country to stay with relatives for example? For us and many I am sure this is the hardest part of lockdown - not seeing family.