In pictures: this is what social distancing looks like around the world

Apr 2, 2020

Photos showing what measures are being taken to avoid transmission of COVID-19.

Image: REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar

Douglas Broom

Senior Writer, Forum Agenda

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COVID-19

Social distancing is an effective protective measure against the new coronavirus, says the World Health Organization.
It recommends people keep at least 1 metre apart.
Around the world, measures to ensure people observe this are in force.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends people should keep at least 1 metre away from each other to protect against coronavirus. This kind of social distancing, together with regular handwashing, is key in efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19.

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It’s estimated that about a third of the world’s population is under lockdown in their own homes, and, in many countries, social distancing is being enforced by the police. However, people still need to go out to buy food and medicine

Here’s a selection of images showing social distancing in practice across the globe.

Outdoor space: People stand 1 metre apart as they queue to buy groceries in Colombo, Sri Lanka, during a break in a government-imposed coronavirus curfew. Image: REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte

Social circles: Grocery shoppers keep a safe distance in Kolkata, India. Image: REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri

Food to go: Bangkok delivery drivers wait for orders at a food store in Thailand’s capital. Image: REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa

Waiting room: Passengers at Miami International Airport distance from one another after flights to New York were cancelled because of the high number of coronavirus cases in the city. Image: REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Keeping faith: Worshippers at the Muslim Association of Puget Sound in Redmond, Washington, US. Image: REUTERS/Brian Snyder

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Breaking news: Journalists wait to hear the outcome of a meeting about coronavirus economic aid legislation at the US Congress in Washington DC. Image: REUTERS/Mary F. Calvert

Meals apart: Nurses line up for donated lunches in London, UK. Image: REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

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