Social distancing attempts to reduce the spread of disease by limiting close contact among people, which the CDC defines as within 6 feet. Unlike quarantine and isolation – two other prevention options – social distancing doesn’t require you to stay in one place to avoid spreading disease. Instead, you take steps to avoid large groups of people to lower the risk of disease spread. Examples of distancing when an infectious disease is spreading include:
Companies telling employees to work from home
Schools canceling in-person classes
Shutdown of businesses like movie theaters, malls, daycare centers, and libraries
Restrictions on public transportation and travel
Postponement or cancellation of sporting events, concerts, music festivals, parades, and other large gatherings