Outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Singapore
(Photo: Reuters)

Preventive measures are now widely discussed on how to perform well social distancing at public places like groceries, banks, pharmacies, and hospitals. Six feet apart is the general basic measure but usually, when walking around we don't bring our measuring tape. So how would people know if they are actually following the proper way of social distance?

People should stay on opposite sides of the sidewalk

The United States Department of Transportation requires that sidewalks should have a measure of at least 5 feet in width. According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials, in residential areas, there must be 5 to 7 feet wide width and in urban areas, 8-12 feet are expected. This means that people are also expected to keep on the opposite side of the sidewalk from people or neighbors so that both parties can have enough space. 

Amesh Adalja of Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security in Baltimore, Maryland explains that if you can maintain 6 feet of distance from anyone it is up to you if you still want to cross the street to avoid passersby. He also added that if a person wants to avoid any contagious disease, he might as well avoid anyone who will come his way in the streets especially if those people are possibly sick.

Dr. Eric Cioe-Pena, an emergency medicine physician based in New York City, recommended that if you are in a crowded area it is very much convenient if you maintain a distance from people. 

Check these out!

How many grocery shopping carts equals social distancing? 

The length of two shopping carts is good enough for social distancing, most grocery carts are also 3 feet long so 2 can already accommodate a good distance. 

Cioe-Pena told TODAY that, for interactions longer than two minutes 6 feet apart is already appropriate, walking in the aisle also with 6 feet is fine. Vinetz urged the importance of "time spent" and that when you must go to the supermarket, you must maximize the time so that you can quickly go back home as early as possible. 

How do you say hi from a distance?

Checking a loved one during these times is very much necessary. But protecting yourself from any infection is very important as well. It also won't cause too much damage if people are greeting each other from the bottom porch and from a distance. It is very much safe to follow safety precautions and physical activities are needed to be avoided especially that we are now suffering a crisis. Physical activities such as handshakes, hugs, and kisses especially from sick family, friends or relatives are not allowed. Basic preventive measures are important to keep your safety healthy and okay.

When in doubt, use your hands!

According to the Scientific American, if you can't use anything to measure, you spread your arms widely on either side, also the span from finger to finger is about the same as a person's height.