Social distancing is the practice of maintaining distance between yourself and other people outside of your household. It is been a key safety measure followed throughout the pandemic to help stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Whilst social distancing is good practice, it is no longer a requirement. It is important that you keep up to date with official government (England and Wales) to help keep you and those around you safe. 

There are measures you can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19 which include:

• Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds regularly 
• Wearing a face covering in enclosed / busy spaces and on public transport if you can.
• Meeting outside or in well ventilated areas
• Staying at home if you have symptoms and arrange a test
• Checking into venues you visit
• Getting vaccinated if you are eligible
• Work from home if you can

If you or someone in your household have COVID-19 symptoms or if any of you have been identified as 'clinically extremely vulnerable' please take a look at our self-isolation and shielding pages for further information.

If you have Huntington's disease and find it difficult to maintain social distancing, you may find the below Government produced resources useful to signal to those around you that they need to give you space should social distancing requirements return in the future.

The government has produced card templates and mobile phone images to be used if you or a loved one has difficulties or concerns in maintaining social distancing.

gov.uk social distancing templates

 

Wearing a face mask or face covering

Wearing a face covering can help stop the spread of COVID-19. There are some limited exemptions to the wearing of face masks and this includes: 

• if the person is younger than 11 years old
• if the person can’t put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause the person severe distress
• if the person is travelling with or helping someone who relies on lip-reading to communicate
• if this helps to avoid harm or injury to the person or others

Where mandatory face mask wearing applies, and you or a someone you know has Huntington's disease and would find wearing a face mask or face covering difficult for one of the reasons above, the following exemption cards and resources may be useful to help explain Huntington's disease to anyone that might challenge the fact that a mask isn't being worn. The use of such cards is a personal choice and is not necessary by law. 

Our 'I have Huntington's' I.d card explains at a glance what Huntington's is and provides space for details of who to contact in an emergency. It can be worn on a lanyard or carried. Click on the link for details of how to order your free card.	I have Huntington's card
We have created an information sheet that you can show to anyone that may challenge you for not wearing a mask if you are exempt. This can be used in conjunction with the 'I have Huntington's' card above. Click on the link to download your copy.	Information sheet explaining Huntington's and face masks
Hidden disabilities have produced an exemption card available to order from their shop for a small fee. Click on the link for more information.	Hidden disabilities exemption card
Hidden disabilities have produced a hidden disability sunflower lanyard available to order from their shop for a small fee. This lanyard is recognised in many airports and shops and highlights to staff that the person may require additional assistance. Click on the link for more information. These lanyards can also be obtained from participating Tesco and Sainsbury's stores via the Customer Service desk.	Hidden disabilities sunflower lanyard
The government has produced template exemption cards and mobile phone images for people to use if they would find wearing a mask or face covering difficult for the above reasons.	gov.uk exemption templates

If you have Huntington's or someone you know has Huntington's and wearing a mask is possible but perhaps it is uncomfortable or difficult to remember to wear one, you could try the following strategies before deciding not to wear a mask and using an exemption card:

• Try masks / coverings in different materials, styles and with looser ties until you find one you like
• Add a sign to the door as a reminder to take the mask out with you
• Encourage / reassure that the mask is offering protection during the pandemic

 

Where to get a face mask or face covering?

A face covering is not the same as the medical-grade surgical masks used by healthcare and other workers as part of personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Face masks and coverings are now widely available to purchase in a number of shops, supermarkets and pharmacies in both disposable and reusable formats. Alternatively, you can use a bandana, a scarf or make your own - the government has provided guidance on how to do this here. If you already wear a religious garment that covers your mouth and nose, this counts as a face covering for this purpose and you do not have to wear another.

When using face masks and face coverings it is important to wash your hands before putting them on and taking them off. If your mask / covering is reusable you should wash it after each use.

The Huntington's Disease Association has a range of face masks and face coverings which are be available to purchase from our online shop now. Please note our face masks and face coverings are not medical grade and should not and do not take the place of PPE equipment. They are single-ply. You should not rely on our face masks or face coverings alone to protect you from COVID-19. You should continue to follow all government guidance.

 

Social contact 

Guidance on social contact with others outside of your household is changing frequently. We recommend you follow current government guidance for England and Wales on their respective web pages. 

There are precautions you should take when you do spend time with others, when safe to do so in accordance with local guidance: 

• Meet outside where possible or in well ventilated areas.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitiser
• Do not share or exchange personal belongings (such as cups and water bottles) with others 
• Wear a mask, if you can, in crowded indoor areas
• Keep indoor spaces well ventilated
• Wash your clothes regularly as there is some evidence the COVID-19 virus can stay on fabrics
• Take the vaccine when offered it
• Get tested regularly. Twice a week is currently recommended and free kits can be ordered to your home. Find out more here.