The government has amended national guidance (9 April 2020) on how often some people can leave their home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) was informed by the National Autistic Society, that going outside for exercise is very important to the health and wellbeing of many children and adults on the autism spectrum. Sometimes, autistic people may need to go to quieter places, away from other people, even if these places are further away from their home. They may also need to be accompanied by a carer or support worker who is not someone they live with.
The government has published new guidance about going outside and social distancing, highlighting that, if you’re autistic or have a learning disability, you can leave your home more than once a day and travel beyond your local area if this is important to your health. If you need carers with you, they don’t have to stay the two metres apart from you that is usually required by social distancing. However, it is still important to be careful and only go out when you really need to, to reduce the chance of getting ill or infecting other people.
The government has been informed by charities including the National Autistic Society, that they must make sure that the police know what the guidance says about autistic people, so that people are not challenged inappropriately or made to feel unnecessarily anxious.
For the latest government information click here.
For more information from the National Autistic Society click here.
