How Effective Is Social Distancing During A Pandemic?

As we continue to navigate the best ways to reduce the spread of the novel Coronavirus and wait for vaccines to become available, one thing remains clear: social distancing is effective at limiting its spread.

One of the first COVID-19 social distancing pandemic precautionary guidelines set out by top health officials was the limitation of face-to-face contact with others by staying at least six feet apart whenever possible, and for good reason. A study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine focused on the question of how effective is social distancing, or more specifically, the effectiveness of social distancing measures on the spread of COVID-19. Their findings confirmed that daily confirmed-cases in most countries declined after social distancing measures were put into effect, with daily-confirmed cases decreasing faster in countries with stronger or more stringent levels of social distancing protocols in place.

Why Social Distancing Works

The COVID-19 virus spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (about six feet) for a prolonged period of time. When an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes, infectious droplets are expelled into the air and the mouths or noses of those standing close by and even contaminating surfaces. Considering a large number of infected individuals show no symptoms or don’t show symptoms for up to two weeks, maintaining social distancing even when feeling “well” is critical to reducing the spread of the virus.

By distancing ourselves from others, we are reducing the chance for airborne particles projected by sneezes, coughs and talking from reaching and infecting us. Maintaining this distance is also critical to limit the use of shared surfaces, since COVID-19 can live for hours or days on surfaces depending on environmental factors like sunlight, humidity and the surface material.

Social Distancing Pandemic Products

The CDC recommends that physical distancing should be practiced in combination with other everyday preventive actions like wearing masks and washing hands. While knowing the importance of social distancing guidelines during a pandemic can help slow the spread of COVID-19, social distancing pandemic products in schools, restaurants and workplaces have been pivotal in making sure social distancing pandemic precautions are being enforced in public spaces.

A case study conducted in late October 2020 depicted the pivotal role Safely6ft™ educational social distancing pandemic products played in the safe reopening of 26 educational facilities in Troy, Michigan. Delivering over 250 custom sneeze guards for students, 1,000 portable and mobile shields for faculty and custom social distancing graphics like wall, window and door and floor signs, Safely6ft ™ made it possible for students and faculty to return to the invaluable in-person schooling experience while respecting physical distancing requirements to stop the spread of COVID-19.

As we wait for COVID-19 vaccines to become available, it’s critical that communities of every size work together to limit contact between individuals to slow the spread of infectious diseases and viruses. As the cold weather creeps in and we begin to spend more time inside it’s especially important that we abide by social distancing protocols (social distancing pandemic products for restaurants can help with that!), especially for those businesses like restaurants that utilize the outdoors to safely serve patrons.

If you’re one of the many small businesses in need of more safe and effective ways to protect your employees and customers, Safely6ft™ has the social distancing products you need to limit contact and protect valuable staff and customers from getting sick. Shop our extensive line of social distancing today for a safer and healthier tomorrow.