Study Questions Rigid Use of Social Distancing

Variables among facilities suggest social distances might be pliable

By Dan Hounsell


Social distancing has been one of the building blocks of efforts in the last year to control the spread of the coronavirus. It has dictated the redesign of an array of areas of healthcare facilities from entryways and lobbies to offices and restrooms. Now, one study has called into the question its blanket application in buildings.

Not all indoor settings are the same: ventilation varies, size varies, occupancy varies. Not only that, the activities people perform indoors also vary a lot. So, the 6-foot social distancing protocol — allocated by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) — doesn’t always apply, according to Infection Control Today.

Investigators with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology argue that their data suggest that things like school closings and occupancy limits might not be necessary in many instances.

Social distancing rules should be pliable: Sometimes facilities need more, and sometimes less will do.



April 28, 2021


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

Two Steps to Controlling the Hot Zone

Strategy for disrupting dry-surface biofilm begins with a simple premise: You cannot disinfect what you cannot reach.


RiverSpring Living Breaks Ground on River's Edge Senior Living Community

Occupancy is expected in December 2028.


Encompass Health Reveals Plans to Build Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital in Post Falls, Idaho

The hospital is expected to open in 2028 and will be part of Encompass Health's national network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals.


Creating Compassionate Spaces in Healthcare

A new bereavement room at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan NICU aims to provide peace and privacy for families.


Study Shows Connection Between Odor and Patient Experience

A 2024 study identifies the top smells in hospital waiting rooms and how they impact the patient and visitor experience.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.