The importance of social distancing guidelines during a pandemic

For months now we’ve learned what it means to social distance and how properly executing social distancing guidelines help slow the spread of COVID-19. As we return to school, the office and our favorite stores, it’s important not to forget the importance of social distancing, why it’s necessary and how to continue social distancing in different settings.

The Importance of Social Distancing Guidelines

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that COVID-19 most easily spreads among people who are in close contact (within six feet) for a prolonged period of time. Not only this, but the number of people infected with COVID-19 can double and even triple in a matter of days, spreading through airborne respiratory droplets lingering in the air. Since COVID-19 can be spread quickly by infected individuals who show no symptoms, maintaining social distancing guidelines is crucial to slow the spread of the virus and as we have seen, could mean the difference between businesses and schools staying open or closing their doors.

Key Times To Implement Social Distancing Guidelines

Implementing social distancing guidelines in public and even private settings is crucial if we are to hope to prevent from getting sick. Here are some of the most important places to maintain social distancing guidelines as we navigate life amidst a pandemic.

At Home

If someone inside your home has or thinks they have COVID-19 try to implement social distancing guidelines inside the home to limit the spread of the virus. If possible, this person should quarantine in a room or space in the home away from others.

At the Office

As businesses and offices begin to safely return to the workplace, maintaining social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic could be the difference between a successful business and a struggling one. To help maintain social distancing guidelines in the workplace, many employers are preparing pandemic planning checklists for a well rounded strategy to fight the spread of COVID-19. These pandemic checklists cover all aspects of employee health and safety, encouraging employees to stay home when they feel sick. Many businesses are also enlisting the help of sneeze guards between workstations and in the breakroom, which help stop the spread of airborne respiratory droplets from reaching others. Maintaining social distancing guidelines in the workplace can stop the spread of the virus and keep employees and their families safe during the pandemic.

At School

From elementary grade to colleges, schools are back in session and preparing the best they can with school social distancing products to keep staff and students safe. The implementation of social distancing in schools is critical to keeping the spread of the virus as low as possible. Placing wall, window and door signs at every entrance, exit and in the bathrooms reminds students and staff to wear their masks, social distance and wash their hands whenever possible. 

Safely strips deliver a visual reminder to students to maintain social distancing in the auditorium, while hand sanitizer stations in the halls and cafeteria promote clean hands as a means to stop the spread of the virus. These important social distancing measures serve as constant reminders of the importance of social distancing at school and other public places.

Running Errands

Limit contact when running errands by only visiting stores with the items you need for daily living. When you do go out, maintain a six foot distance from others, abide by the store’s social “one-way” and social distancing floor signs, or take advantage of curb-side and drive-thru pickup options. 

Events & Gatherings

Maintain a six foot distance and always wear a mask if visiting with people outside of your home. Avoid large crowds or facilities that aren’t implementing social distancing guidelines.

Physical Exercise

There are a lot of advantages to enjoying the great outdoors, including exercise. Since the start of COVID-19, more individuals and families have found themselves enjoying the outdoors by going for walks, hiking or taking rides down the bike path. It’s easy to lighten up on social distancing and wearing face masks when outside, but we recommend that you err on the side of caution and continue to practice social distancing and wearing face masks when around others, even outdoors.

As the general population navigates life during a pandemic, Safely6ft™ carries the quality social distancing products businesses, schools and offices alike can utilize to maintain social distancing guidelines for a healthier and safer tomorrow.

Amy Servi


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