Over the last few weeks. I have noticed something a little odd. I have seen lines of people waiting outside a bank, a drugstore, a school. I am sure that these lines indicate well-meaning, public health motivated measures so why is this odd?
In every case. the lines contained a mixture of ages, genders, physical conditions and mask-wearing and non-mask-wearing individuals. This is not in itself odd and probably reflects society more widely.
More often than not, the people in the lines were less than six feet apart ftom one another, often only two or three feet apart, and frequently, they were right next to each other, laughing and talking. That too is not odd, and probably reflects society.
What was odd is that these people were being held outside in order to limit the number of people inside. Social distancing within, little or none without.
Emerging and increasing evidence suggests that covid transmission outside is relatively low, so different standards concerning spacing are to be expected. At the same time, the recommendation is still for us to keep six feet apart. I suspect we will find in time that three feet with a breeeze is fine, as will be hugging in a hurricane, but for now, six feet.
The people in those lines cannot plead ignorance, after all they were in a line intended to limit entry and thus to keep them distanced while inside. Their actions were either wilful and deliberate or careless and nonchalant. But for now, especially while there is still so much virus circulating, keeping a little distance is good for all, even while waiting in line.
**Questions or comments below. Let me know what you think.**
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