In this time of coronavirus, once-easy questions have suddenly become complex.

Here are some questions and answers about the “social distancing” efforts to slow the epidemic.

WHAT IS SOCIAL DISTANCING?

Social distancing are practices implemented by public health officials to keep contagious diseases from spreading.

The measures are aimed at trying to cut down the amount of virus spreading around, and ultimately protect those most vulnerable, including the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

WHAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN?

Schools have been closed, mass activities have been cancelled and, as from tonight, bars, restaurants, cinemas, clubs, gyms have been ordered to shut.

And experts also recommend people try to stay away from each other.

WHY STAY APART?

Experts believe the virus is mainly spread through droplets that come out of your mouth and nose. When an infected person speaks or exhales or coughs or sneezes, the droplets travel about 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) before gravity pulls them to the ground.

“They fall pretty quickly,” said Dr. Jill Weatherhead, an infectious disease expert at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

It's important to try to block coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, so as to not send those droplet flying directly toward someone nearby.

CAN I GO OUTSIDE AT ALL?

So far, no lockdown has been ordered but it would be safer to limit going out as much as possible.

We're not being told to stay at home and lock the doors, but reducing social activity will help.

People who have coughs and sneezes should stay home.

People should obey quarantine procedures. Fines have been increased from 1,000 euro to 3,000 euro for every breach.

WHERE CAN I GO?

Options are becoming limited, with school, gym and restaurant closures.

It's necessary to buy food. But try to go to the supermarket at times when it's less crowded, stay away from other shoppers as much as you can, and wash your hands thoroughly when you get home.

Keep children away from others. Schools have been closed with a purpose. If children meet at playgrounds, the purpose would be defeated.

Exercise is important. Go for a walk, trying to keep away from others as much as possible.

WHAT ABOUT SOCIAL GATHERINGS?

The suspension of mass activities means that weddings, family reunions and birthday parties have to be given a miss.

Try to keep yourself busy at home. There are many indoor hobbies you can turn to. Reading a book is one of them. 

Keeping in touch with your friends via social media or modern technology will help.

WILL SOCIAL DISTANCING WORK?

It will if people stick to the unwritten rules.

The spread of Coronavirus will be limited if people stay away from each other.