The worldwide social distancing rule of two meters might require necessary updates, with researchers pointing out that the rule dates back to 1897.
Researchers and experts from the British Medical Journal suggest ‘graded recommendations’ which would correspond to different distancing rules, depending on different areas instead of the current one-size-fits-all approach for social distancing.
“Current rules on safe physical distancing are based on outdated science. Distribution of viral particles is affected by numerous factors, including air flow,” according to Nicholas Jones, from Oxford University’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care and colleagues as per reports from the Daily Mail.
RELATED STORY: WATCH: Abu Dhabi rolls out CCTV network to catch social distancing violators in markets
Researchers state that several newer studies found out that in particular scenarios, some droplets from a forceful sneeze and/or cough could spread up to eight meters.
“Evidence suggests Sars-CoV-2 may travel more than two metres through activities such as coughing and shouting. Rules on distancing should reflect the multiple factors that affect risk, including ventilation, occupancy, and exposure time,” added Jones.
READ ON: RTA Dubai now monitors social distancing violators in public buses
The researchers also outlined several approaches that should be done apart from physical distancing – which include hand hygiene, wearing appropriate protective equipment, air management and more.
“Physical distancing should be seen as only one part of a wider public health approach to containing the Covid-19 pandemic. It needs to be implemented alongside combined strategies of people-air-surface-space management, including hand hygiene, cleaning, occupancy and indoor space and air managements, and appropriate protective equipment, such as masks, for the setting,” said the team of researchers.
