What to know
- 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 yourself and someone who is sick with a respiratory virus reduces your chances of getting infected.
An additional strategy to further protect yourself and others
Putting physical distance between yourself and others can help lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus. There is no single number that defines a "safe" distance, since spread of viruses can depend on many factors.
How it works
Generally, infectious droplets and particles build up closer to the person who is releasing them. The closer you are to someone who has a respiratory virus, the more likely you are to catch it.
Steps you can take
- Avoid being near someone who has respiratory virus symptoms.
- Avoid crowded areas where you may be unable to maintain physical distance.
Steps organizations can take
Provide employees with paid time off and flexible telework policies to support workers to stay home if sick.
Key times for prevention
All of the prevention strategies can be helpful to reduce risk. Additional measures, like physical distancing, are especially helpful when:
- Respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in your community.
- You or the people around you were recently exposed to a respiratory virus, are sick, or are recovering.
- You or the people around you have risk factors for severe illness.
Notice
CDC offers separate, specific guidance for healthcare settings (COVID-19, flu, and general infection prevention and control). Federal civil rights laws may require reasonable modifications or reasonable accommodations in various circumstances. Nothing in this guidance is intended to detract from or supersede those laws.