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. 2020 Aug 27;17(17):6256. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17176256

Table 1.

Social distancing definitions and rules by country and affiliation.

Country Affiliation Social Distancing Definition and Rules
Australia Government Department of Health “Physical distancing in public means people should keep 1.5 m away from others wherever possible.” [9]
Brazil Ministry of Health “Keep at least 2 m away from anyone who coughs or sneezes.” [10]
Canada Public Health Agency “Physical distancing is one of the most effective ways to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and keep at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 m) apart when around other people.” [11]
China National Health Commission “Reduce mass gatherings such as activities of entertainment, catering, etc. and stay more than 1 m from others.” [12]
Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “Carefully avoid 3Cs (closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings) and maintain a distance of at least 1.8 m between people.” [13]
South Africa National Department of Health Social distancing refers to limiting public gatherings as much as possible (keep distance at least 1 m). [14]
U.K. National Health Service “Avoid close contact with anyone you do not live with at least 2 m (3 steps) away.” [15]
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 m) from others when possible.” [16]
World Health Organization (WHO) “Maintain at least 1 m (3 feet) distance between yourself and others.” [17]