About Physical Distancing and Respiratory Viruses
Additional prevention steps and strategies can be layered on to further protect yourself and others.
Putting physical distance between yourself and others can help lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus. There is no single number that defines a “safe” distance, since spread of viruses can depend on many factors.
How it works
Generally, infectious droplets and particles build up closer to the person who is releasing them. The closer you are to someone who has a respiratory virus, the more likely you are to catch it.
Steps you can take
Individuals can
- Avoid being near someone who has respiratory virus symptoms.
- Avoid crowded areas where you may be unable to maintain physical distance.
Organizations can
- Provide employees with paid time off and flexible telework policies to support workers to stay home if sick.
Key times for prevention
All of the prevention strategies described in this guidance can be helpful to reduce risk. They are especially helpful when:
- Respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in your community.
- You or the people around you were recently exposed to a respiratory virus, are sick, or are recovering.
- You or the people around you have risk factors for severe illness.
CDC offers separate, specific guidance for healthcare settings (COVID-19, flu, and general infection prevention and control). Federal civil rights laws may require reasonable modifications or reasonable accommodations in various circumstances. Nothing in this guidance is intended to detract from or supersede those laws.