Opinion: One metre or two? The science behind social distancing

With air currents, droplets and the environment to consider, Dr Lena Ciric (UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering) discusses the science behind what safe distance guidelines to avoid infection of Covid-19. What constitutes a safe distance when it comes to the spread of COVID-19? The answer depends on where you live. China, Denmark and France recommend social distancing of one metre; Australia, Germany and Italy recommend 1.5 metres, and the US recommends six feet, or 1.8 metres. The UK, meanwhile, is reconsidering its relatively large two-metre distancing rule, but has attracted criticism from top scientists for doing so. The truth is, we don't yet know how far is far enough when it comes to coronavirus. A recent study found the virus in air as far as four metres away from infected patients in a COVID-19 ward. But another study, touted by the WHO, concluded that the risk of transmission becomes significantly lower with a distance of one metre or more from an infected person, reducing further with increased distance.