Avoiding physical contact Social distancing includes eliminating the physical contact that occurs with the typical handshake, hug, or hongi; this New Zealand illustration offers eight alternatives.

Put simply, social distancing is the idea that to slow the spread of the highly contagious new coronavirus, you need to maintain a certain distance from people.

Aug 18, 2025 · Physical distancing is an additional prevention strategy that offers an extra layer of protection and helps reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Adding physical space between …

Mar 27, 2020 · The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines social distancing as keeping at least six feet apart from others and avoiding “congregate settings” like schools, …

What is social distancing, and why practice it? Social distancing, also known as physical distancing, is the practice of keeping distance between yourself and people you don't live with.

Dec 10, 2025 · Social distancing, also called physical distancing, refers to staying a specific distance away from other people to help prevent illnesses from spreading. The specific distance is determined …

: the practice of maintaining a greater than usual physical distance (such as six feet or more) from other people or of avoiding direct contact with people or objects in public places during the outbreak of a …