Maintaining Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Outbreak

The analyses of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and an increasing amount of scientific research show that the spread of SARS-CoV-2 may be limited by maintaining social distancing, appropriate hand hygiene, and following the basic principles of prophylaxis. While simulating models applied to social distancing have all been tested and evaluated, the implementation of its guidelines in different traditions and cultures has not been discussed sufficiently. Consequently, applying social distancing guidelines alone may not be enough to contain the spread of the coronavirus. This brief report aims to clarify the role of cultural and behavioral differences in the diverse outcomes of COVID-19 management.