Coronavirus: How do we socially distance this weekend?

That Friday feeling is a little flatter this week as the country faces its first weekend since the Government announced strict social distancing rules in response to the coronavirus crisis.

With pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas closing their doors amid the Covid-19 outbreak, if you are not self-isolating, what can you do to entertain yourself this weekend?

Pubs have been told to close from Friday night. Credit: PA

Can I go to the pub or out for a meal?

On Friday afternoon the UK Government introduced more severe measures and announced all pubs, restaurants, cafes, cinemas and gyms across the UK would be closed, as it ramps up its efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Before the ban, pubs, cafes and restaurants remained open, but the Government advised against visiting them.

This uncertainty had seen empty bar stools and tables at pubs and restaurants across the country, with many shutting their doors even before the official ban as people stayed away.

Earlier this week, the Government granted permission for pubs and restaurants to operate as takeaways as part of its coronavirus response.

That means a Saturday night takeaway is still possible - and ordering it from a restaurant or pub you may have visited over the weekend in different circumstances is a good way of supporting local businesses - and means you can avoid the scrum at the supermarket.

Many restaurants are open for takeaway only. Credit: PA

Can I go to the cinema or the theatre?

The Government has banned cinemas from opening across the country as of Friday.

The Government were slow to officially order cinemas or theatres to close but as the social distancing rules were incompatible with sitting in a room at close quarters with other people, many cinemas and theatres to closed their doors anyway.

  • ITV News Video Producer Natalia Jorquera explains what social distancing is and how to do it

Can I go to parkrun?

For the first time in 15 years there will be no parkrun this Saturday, with the closure expected to continue through April at least.

The 5km jog/sprint/walk around parks, fields and heaths across the country has become hugely popular and while parkrun acknowledge the benefits of exercise for our health and happiness - especially during such a challenging time - it urged people not to organise their own group gatherings at parkrun venues.

Parkrun is cancelled across the country. Credit: PA

But you can go for a walk

Provided you do not have any symptoms or you have not been in contact with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive for Covid-19, you can walk, run or go cycle outdoors, if you stay two metres away from people.

The government has been keen to stress from the outset that we should still be exercising for our physical and mental health. If you fall into one of the most vulnerable groups or are self-isolating, try an online exercise or yoga class.

If you are pregnant, over 70 or have an underlying health condition, do not have symptoms and want to get some fresh air, you might want to go places when they are quieter, such as early in the morning or in the evening.

You can walk in the park if you are not self-isolating but stay two metres apart from others. Credit: PA

Visit your mum on Mother's Day via technology

Many families were primed to celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday with afternoon teas, lunches and visits planned. But what now?

The government is advising we "significantly limit" face-to-face interaction with people who are at an increased risk of severe illness.

Earlier this week, the government's chief scientific advisor Patrick Vallance said the over-70s "shouldn't do" Mother’s Day lunch with their children and grandchildren.

With all but essential visits to family being discouraged, presenting a bunch of flowers to your mum in person might not be possible, but why not arrange a video call with all the family - maybe even have a virtual meal, tucking into your Sunday lunches at the same time through your screens.

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know:

See you friends - remotely

Meeting up with friends virtually through platforms such as Google hangouts, Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and WhatsApp has become the new going out.

Netflix Hangout even enables you link up with friends while you watch films or TV shows simultaneously for a virtual movie night together.

All but essential travel is advised against. Credit: PA

Can I take trip out of town?

All but the most essential travel is being advised against - and you may find it hard to get anywhere as train companies are rapidly cutting back on services as demand plummets.

For those in towns and cities - again who do not have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who does - you can go to your local park if you adhere to the social distancing two metre rule. Be particularly respectful of older people's space.

Some churches will be holding virtual services this Sunday. Credit: PA

Pray virtually

The Church of England and Church of Scotland have now both banned mass worship, and Catholic churches are taking a similar approach to encourage people to maintain social distance to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Instead churches are preparing to deliver services online. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will broadcast a service on BBC local radio this Sunday, and other denominations are making similar plans.

Not all church services will be streamed, but those that are are proving very popular. St Martin-In-The-Fields church in London had over 1,000 tuning in - far more than their usual congregation.

Some gyms have shut off alternate machines. Credit: PA

Can I go to the gym?

Gymbox chain announced on Wednesday that "with a heavy heart" they must close their doors across the UK and from Friday, all gyms were ordered to shut, with some, like issuing home video workouts.

Many gyms had remained open even after the social distancing guidelines, but introduced measures - such as closing alternate machines to keep people further apart.

What about the library?

Many local authorities, but by no means all, have closed libraries. Many of those that do remain open have closed public facing services.