The virus can easily spread in dense places — in a packed subway car, for example, or at a rally or concert.
Social distancing refers to measures that are taken to increase the physical space between people to slow the spread of the virus. Examples include working from home, school closures and the postponement or cancellation of mass gatherings, such as the South by Southwest music, technology and film conference.
By maintaining a distance of six feet from others when possible, people may limit the spread of the virus.
- Jenny Gross and Mariel Padilla. "From Pandemic to Social Distancing: A Coronavirus Glossary." The New York Times.