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As COVID-19 spreads to all corners of the globe, chatter of “social distancing” is dominating online discussion.

Health experts recommend the practice as a mitigating effort to contain the novel coronavirus that has infected more than 100,000 people and killed thousands worldwide.

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But what is social distancing?

Social distancing is a public health measure that’s implemented during highly contagious outbreaks, according to a fact sheet by the public health department in Santa Clara County, California. It often involves health officials restricting large public gatherings, such as music festivals; closing certain buildings, such as schools and libraries; and cancelling events in order to slow the spread of a disease.

Why should people maintain social distance?

With COVID-19, the virus can easily spread through sneezing and coughing, the World Health Organization reports. That’s because when a person sneezes or coughs, they expel tiny liquid droplets that you might breathe.

“For this reason, it’s very important to avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough or other respiratory symptoms,” said Benedetta Allegranzi of the WHO in an informational video.

Josh Michaud, an associate director at a global health policy non-profit, said that in the past social distancing has helped to mitigate the effects of pandemics.

“Earlier (and longer duration) social distancing measures were associated with less mortality and health burden,” he tweeted.

How do you maintain social distance?

“We recommend keeping at least one-metre distance from a sick person. Also, you should avoid shaking hands, hugging or kissing people with these symptoms,” Allegranzi said.

If you have to take care of a person who has COVID-19 or similar symptoms, wearing a mask can help you to avoiding getting sick. As well, proper hand hygiene is a major factor when it comes to staying healthy.

While the WHO recommends one-metre distance, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends keeping a safe distance of two metres.