With the onset of the coronavirus, social distancing has become the norm in many places around the world. As a result, countries have had to change their regulations and laws to restrict social activity in a way that will prevent contact and reduce the spread of the virus. This article will look at what social distancing looks like across the world, exploring the range of measures being taken and the impact it is having on lives.
U.S. Social Distancing Measures
The United States has implemented some of the strictest non-essential travel regulations in the world, limiting contact to family and select essential needs only. All Americans are required to stay at least six feet apart from other people in public, and are urged to remain at home as much as possible.
Some U.S. states have legal requirements in place that require people to wear face masks or cloth face coverings when out in public spaces. Restaurants and bars have to operate as take-out or delivery only and gatherings of non-family members are banned in many states.
Commercial establishments deemed non-essential, such as movie theaters, shopping malls, museums, gyms and other entertainment establishments, are closed in most states. Crucial businesses remain open, including grocery stores, banks and pharmacies, but many have implemented limits on store capacity and specific regulations, such as one-way aisles and required face masks.
Other Social Distancing Measures Around the World
Europe
The majority of European countries have gone into varying degrees of mandatory lockdown regulations. These measures include widespread closure of educational and entertainment establishments, along with any places of gathering, including places of worship, libraries, cafes and bars.
Residents are encouraged to practice social distancing by maintaining a safe distance from each other and from anybody who is not from their immediate household. In France, people must carry a form of identification at all times, proving that their travel is necessary for work or for health reasons.
Residents of some European countries, such as Spain and Italy, are fined for socialising outside and non-essential businesses remain closed.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has also implemented a lockdown, with all restaurants and pubs, non-essential shops, bars and other recreational and leisure establishments closed since March. Non-essential private gatherings of more than two people and face-to-face social contact in public spaces have been banned, and there is a strict curfew in place. Residents have had to take extra care with social distancing, staying at least two metres apart from other people.
Asia
Asian countries have implemented various regulations to ensure social distancing is observed. In China, the origin of the virus, citizens have had to practice social distancing in various forms. Community spaces, leisure facilities and commercial outlets have been closed in some cities, while in others, where the situation is not as dire, people are encouraged to work from home and remain at least 1.5 metres away from each other in public.
In Japan, the government is recommending that people avoid all non-essential contact and social situations, with public events and travel for leisure prohibited.
Australia
Australia has had a strict policy of social distancing, following a contained approach to self-isolation and regulations on public gatherings from the onset of the virus. Gatherings of two people or less are limited, with social interaction encouraged only with immediate family or co-habitants.
Most recreational facilities, including cinemas, gyms and libraries are closed, and people must practice social distancing in public areas such as parks, supermarkets and other places of business.
Africa
The majority of African countries have chosen to close their borders, limiting the movement of people. In many countries, the government is strongly recommending social distancing regulations, including avoiding close contact with other people except family members already in the home, and avoiding crowded places and public transport.
The Impact of Social Distancing
The impact of social distancing has had a huge impact on lives around the world. With many people under lockdown, and restrictions on travel, businesses and social interactions, many have been affected in various ways.
The following outlines the various impacts of social distancing:
Economic Impact
The economic impact of social distancing has been staggering, with global supply chains and markets disrupted, many countries suffering from the closure of businesses and loss of jobs, and an uncertain future for the global economy. Many businesses have had to close due to the restrictions, resulting in job losses and a decrease in wages for those who are able to remain employed.
Psychological Impact
The psychological impact of social distancing has been widely reported. Many people, including those required to self-isolate, or those who are struggling to continue working from home, are facing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. Social media outlets have become an important tool for socialising in these times, and many people are now relying on these digital resources to stay connected.
Elderly and Vulnerable People
Social distancing has had a particularly profound impact on the elderly and vulnerable people. Since the elderly are more vulnerable to the virus, social distancing is necessary to protect them, but this can also lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Many charity organisations and healthcare providers have had to shift their services and focus on protecting those most vulnerable by providing food packages or offering virtual consultation services.
Ultimately, social distancing is an essential measure to help minimise the spread of the virus, but it has had a significant impact on the lives of many people around the world. While each country has implemented different rules and regulations to ensure social distancing is observed, the need to isolate and reduce contact with others is essential. Hopefully, as vaccination programmes increase, social distancing measures will become a thing of the past, and people can return to some semblance of their ‘normal’ lives.