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

EaaS: Funding Infrastructure Projects with Energy Savings

Process converts necessary upgrades from capital liabilities into strategic investments using operational dollars.


Balancing Security Systems with Patient Comfort in Healthcare

Security systems, safety and inviting atmospheres don’t have to be in conflict.


Harris Health Reports 10-Year Data Breach

Their investigation determined that the impermissible access to patient information occurred between January 4, 2011, and March 8, 2021.


Gen Z Trusts AI More Than Their Managers

Some employees would rather engage with AI than their managers.


CISA Lapse Amid Government Shutdown Raises Concerns for Healthcare Cybersecurity

Lawmakers had sought to renew it for another decade, but disagreements in the Senate stalled reauthorization.


 
 


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.