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

3 Employees Injured by Patient at Halifax Infirmary's Emergency Department

Police contained the threat and took the patient into custody.


How Architects Shape the Future of Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare architecture is more than just designing and building hospitals.


UNC Health, Duke Health Form Partnership for Stand-alone Children's Hospital

The partners plan to break ground together on the new NC Children’s campus by 2027.


Sarasota Memorial Hospital Plans to Build New Facility in North Port

The six-story, 100-bed hospital is slated to open in fall of 2028.


CMMS, Data and the Path to Compliance

Taking control of healthcare facilities data in CMMS enables managers to use it to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of their assets.


 
 


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.