Criticality of physical/social distancing, handwashing, respiratory hygiene and face-masking during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Abstract

Physical/social distancing, handwashing, respiratory hy- giene and face-masking have been recommended as real - istic counterstrategies to control the COVID-19 pandemic. These strategies have been critical in the fight against the present pandemic in many countries. Here we detail the background to such countermeasures, present some ex - amples in different settings and finally emphasise that they should remain in place worldwide as a cultural and behav - ioural “new normal” until a vaccine or a decisive treatment for COVID-19 is developed and made available globally. Show more