AS the nation is urged to socially distance, one big question is what this entails for outdoor activities. 

People should be warned that while a refreshing solo hill walk won't normally put you at risk from Covid-19, the dangers in the hills are still present, and therefore hillwalking is not recommended.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue team have urged people to consider this and be mindful of the additional strain a mountain injury could place on the NHS. They have recommended that the "best thing folk could do is stay at home at this time".

In a Facebook announcement, the team said: "Although the Lochaber hills are looking beautiful and inviting at present, we as a team would not be responsible if we failed to point out that, at this time of national emergency, our ability to respond to incidents may be curtailed by circumstances created by #Covid19.

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"Hillgoers should consider what extra pressures a single accident may put upon already stretched local hospital services. Normal service in terms of recovery and transfer cannot be guaranteed.

"As much as it pains us, as hill goers ourselves, the best thing folk could do is stay at home at this time. Support your local community. Please do not put extra stress on our small and already fragile healthcare infrastructure.

"The hills will still be here next winter and hopefully later in the summer adventure can be had. 
Stay safe."

Scottish Mountain Rescue took a different approach, recommending people "think again about their plans and add in a greater margin of safety than they might in more normal times".

They said: "As we said before, being in the outdoors has many benefits and we are usually very happy to encourage individuals to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of Scotland, however during this ongoing situation we ask you not to take any unnecessary risk when enjoying the outdoors.

"Perhaps go on adventures you are familiar and safe with and while doing so, keep social distancing in mind."

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The team highlighted that the number of mountain rescues has not decreased recently and reminded people that their teams are a "finite resource with a unique skill set that can very quickly be used up".

The UK currently is more relaxed on restrictions for outdoor activity compared to other countries. 

In Chamonix, France, people are banned from the mountains, and climbing crags is banned in Spain. Spain and Italy have also banned recreational cycling to prevent unnecessary injuries from adding strain to their respective health services. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the rapidly evolving situation, some coronavirus advice may become outdated quickly. Check with the relevant health bodies and organisations for the most up-to-date details.