One Meter or Two? The Science Behind Social Distancing

Major variables and infinite scenarios make social distancing a best guess rather than a hard science

Social distancing requirements are a best guess. In general, just stay as far apart from other people as you can. Picturesque Japan/Shutterstock

What constitutes a safe distance when it comes to the spread of COVID-19? The answer depends on where you live.

China, Denmark, and France recommend social distancing of one meter; Australia, Germany, and Italy recommend 1.5 meters (around five feet), and the United States recommends six feet or 1.8 meters. In the United Kingdom, a study has attracted criticism from top scientists for suggesting one meter would be marginally less safe than two.