Study Questions Rigid Use of Social Distancing

Variables among facilities suggest social distances might be pliable

By Dan Hounsell


Social distancing has been one of the building blocks of efforts in the last year to control the spread of the coronavirus. It has dictated the redesign of an array of areas of healthcare facilities from entryways and lobbies to offices and restrooms. Now, one study has called into the question its blanket application in buildings.

Not all indoor settings are the same: ventilation varies, size varies, occupancy varies. Not only that, the activities people perform indoors also vary a lot. So, the 6-foot social distancing protocol — allocated by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) — doesn’t always apply, according to Infection Control Today.

Investigators with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology argue that their data suggest that things like school closings and occupancy limits might not be necessary in many instances.

Social distancing rules should be pliable: Sometimes facilities need more, and sometimes less will do.



April 28, 2021


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

What Accessibility in Senior Care Facilities Should Look Like

The future of design for senior care facilities should go beyond compliance.


Corewell Health to Expand Grand Rapids and Troy Hospitals

Major expansions at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids and Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital are planned.


Shoshone Medical Center Reports Data Breach

In response to this incident, it has implemented additional security measures within its systems and is reviewing its current policies and procedures related to data security.


Cyberattack Results in Patient Reroutes at Anne Arundel Medical Center

A recent cyberattack on Luminis Health Care led to care disruptions and treatment cancelations at Maryland hospital.


Tangram Furnishes Be Well OC Irvine Behavioral Health Campus

Case study: Through a public-private partnership, Be Well OC’s 22-acre Irvine campus expands Orange County’s continuum of behavioral healthcare.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.