Physical Distancing

Living Evidence Synthesis: What is the effectiveness of physical distancing in reducing transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses (e.g., influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)) in non-healthcare community-based settings?

Evidence suggests that those who report physical distancing from others have a lower risk of COVID transmission and influenza-like illness. However, distancing policies in school settings may not reduce the risk of transmission.

Citation:

Neil-Sztramko SE, Hagerman L, Thai A, Traynor R, Hopkins S, Stoby K, Sala N, Kostopoulos A, Neumann S, Choudhry N, Ford C, Dobbins M, COVID-END PHSM LES Working Group. Effectiveness of physical distancing in reducing transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections in non-health care community-based settings. The National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools, 24 March 2023.

Public health topic area:

Infection Prevention and Control

Review question:

Population

Humans

Intervention

Individual-level self-reported physical distancing; physical distancing policies/mandates,

Comparisons

No physical distancing; close contact

Outcomes

December 2022: Primary outcome: COVID-19 transmission (e.g., attack rates, reproduction number) Secondary outcomes: • COVID-19 associated hospitalizations • COVID-19 associated deaths February 2023, March 2023: Primary outcome: COVID-19 transmission (e.g., attack rates, reproduction number) Secondary outcomes: • COVID-19 associated hospitalizations • COVID-19 associated deaths Transmission of other respiratory infections in studies that also report data for COVID-19 (e.g., influenza, RSV, other coronaviruses, TB, SARS, MERS)

Setting

Community-based settings, including but not limited to residential settings, retail, restaurants, gyms, other athletic facilities, sporting venues, casinos, bingo halls, bars/pubs, restaurants, workplaces, public parks, and other recreational venues.

Search Updated:

Mar 3, 2023

Review Completed:

Mar 24, 2023

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