Physical Distancing

The COVID-19 virus spreads from person to person mainly through respiratory droplets that are released into the air by a person who has COVID-19. A person’s risk of getting infected goes up the closer they are to someone with COVID-19. Enclosed places with poor air flow can also increase the risk of getting infected. 

Physical distancing is recommended and encouraged as a best practice, especially for indoor settings, but it is not currently mandated by public health or other regulatory agencies.

Best practices for physical distancing:

• Keep your distance. Use two arms lengths as your guide (about 6 feet) for physical distancing with people who aren’t in your household.
• Avoid crowded places. Being in crowds — especially indoors — puts you at a higher risk. If possible, go during non-peak hours and consider wearing a more protective face covering. Limit how long you are there.
• Reduced occupancy. For smaller spaces like conference rooms and break rooms, we encourage having fewer people whenever possible.
• Take the stairs. Elevators should have reduced occupancy. Even better, take the stairs when it’s feasible.

While not mandated, workplaces can choose to implement additional protective measures, including the use of physical distancing and barriers.

During an outbreak (3 or more employees in an exposed group), employers are required to evaluate whether physical distancing or barriers are necessary to control the transmission of COVID-19. In a major outbreak (20 or more employees in an exposed group), workplaces must have physical distancing and barriers for all employees, regardless of vaccination status.