Can I go for a walk outside? These are the questions people are asking as the government implements stricter rules around social distancing and residents begin to actually get arrested for not properly self-isolating.

Some Canadians are still finding themselves a bit confused about what exactly is and isn't allowed right now.

Officials, including the Prime Minister, are currently telling people to stay at home as much as possible and only leave their houses for absolutely essential things like trips to the grocery store or walks around the neighbourhood to get some exercise and much-needed outdoor time.

But, these activities should be conducted alone or at a safe distance of at least two metres from others.

Enough is enough. To those who are still hanging out with friends or hosting dinner parties: Do the right thing and stay home. And while you’re at home, share this video to remind others they need to stay home too. #PlankTheCurve pic.twitter.com/b2q1fT81cO

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 25, 2020

The federal government has also stated that going outdoors is strictly reserved only for individuals who have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 (obviously), who have no symptoms of COVID-19 and who have not recently travelled outside of the country in the last 14 days.

All recent international travellers with respiratory symptoms must be in mandatory self-isolation for at least two weeks, while recent international travellers without symptoms must be in mandatory self-quarantine for the same period of time (the two have slightly different rules, like whether one has to take medical transportation home from the airport or is permitted to get there by their own means). 

If that applies to you it means you unfortunately can't go for a walk outside right now, even if it's just down the street or around the block.

The government has also said that while out of their homes, citizens must keep close to where they live, must not congregate in groups and must "always practise physical (social) distancing by keeping at least two metres apart from others at all times."

Public Health has released CLEARER language about who can go for a walk outside: You can go for a walk if you: have not been diagnosed with COVID-19;
do not have symptoms of COVID-19; have not travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days.https://t.co/1tLV5zNOtZ

— Rosemary Barton (@RosieBarton) March 29, 2020

So no, you cannot go for a social visit with a seemingly healthy friend or two, meet up with some friends outside or go for a drive together, as some people have been continuing to do.

Other formal guidance from Ottawa at this time: avoid all non-essential travel, avoid contact with vulnerable individuals like the elderly and immunocompromised if possible, practice proper sneeze and cough etiquette and wash your hands frequently and properly.

And please, for everyone's sake, just stay the heck home and only directly interact with those you live with so that this can all be over soon.