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Social distance and physical contact
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Increased distance and fewer close contacts are two key measures to reduce transmission in the coronavirus pandemic. Increasing the distance between people and reducing the number of contacts reduces the risk of being infected by people who were unaware they were infected.
Increased distance and fewer close contacts are two key measures to reduce transmission in the coronavirus pandemic. Increasing the distance between people and reducing the number of contacts reduces the risk of being infected by people who were unaware they were infected.
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Advice to everyone
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Remember good hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
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Keep 1 metre away from others than those you live with where possible. Avoid physical contact, including handshake and hugging. At home there is easing in the distance recommendations to those who are protected.
- It is recommended to meet outdoors as the risk of infection is higher indoors than outdoors, especially in small and poorly ventilated rooms.
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If you develop symptoms of a respiratory infection, you need to stay home and you should be tested, if you suspect that you have COVID-19 disease
Keep your distance
COVID-19 is transmitted mainly through droplet and contact infection. Increasing the distance between people reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection.
You and those you live with can be together as normal. "Those you live with" also include a boy/girlfriend. If you live alone, you can have one-two close friends that you can be physically close to. These should be the same over time.
At home there is easing in the distance recommendations to those who are protected.
Children and adolescents can, in addition to those with whom they live and boy/girlfriend, have one or two close friends who they can be physically close to (should be the same over time).
At least one metre distance is the main rule:
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Keep a distance from those you do not live with.
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The distance from face to face is most important. Back to back, or behind each other (as in a queue), gives a lower risk of infection.
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Avoid physical contact, including handshakes and hugging.
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Passing by someone gives little risk of transmission.
At least two metre distances are strongly recommended when you should be extra careful, for example if you are in a situation where you:
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are in contact with people who have COVID-19 (people who are in isolation)
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are in contact with unvaccinated people in risk groups, when there is high transmission in society
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participate in activity with forceful breathing (singing, training with high intensity, etc.)
In general, it is recommended to ensure good ventilation. In private homes, it is recommended to air regularly or between the use of different groups. Airing does not replace other infection control advice.
More about distance
Based on current knowledge, the NIPH considers that a distance of 1 metre provides a sufficient reduction in risk in most situations, but a distance of 1 metre does not rule out infection. In situations where people do not move around much, the risk is lower, for example in rooms with fixed seating. The risk of infection is lower if face-to-face contact is avoided. We therefore recommend that seats are given priority over standing places in situations of congestion in public transport.
Covid-19 infects significantly less outdoors than indoors. Good ventilation and air exchange reduce the risk of infection. NIPH therefore recommends keeping an extra distance in poorly ventilated rooms.
Read more:
- ECDC (https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/covid-19-guidelines-non-pharmaceutical-interventions)
- UK/PHE (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/892043/S0484_Transmission_of_SARS-CoV-2_and_Mitigating_Measures.pdf)
- WHO (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/overview-of-public-health-and-social-measures-in-the-context-of-covid-19)
- Inneklima og risiko for smitte av covid-19 - råd om ventilasjon_27102020.pdf (Norwegian)
Fewer contacts than usual
Having contact with many others increases the risk of being infected by people who did not know they were infected. We therefore recommend everyone to limit the number of physical contacts both in private settings, at events and at work, school and place of study.
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You and those you live with can be together as normal. "Those you live with" also include a boy/girlfriend. If you live alone, you can have one to two regular friends that you can be physically close to. These should be the same over time.
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Where many people live together, for example in asylum reception centres, halls of residence or barracks, divide the dwelling / building, so that only smaller groups (max. 5-10) use the same common areas. The most at risk should have their own bathroom, toilet and kitchen or have their food delivered.
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Other contacts should be the same over time, for example their separate groups in the workplace or in school and childcare.
- Read about Smittestopp (helsenorge.no)
Several national recommendations and orders are aimed at having fewer physical contacts:
- Limit the number of people you meet per week, and preferably meet outdoors.
- Only have up to 20 guests in private homes, gardens and cabins.
- Protected people can be considered as household members and do not need to be counted as visitors.
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Number restrictions for private and public events, gatherings and activities
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Number restrictions and advice for reduced contact in sports
NB: A municipality may have adopted stricter recommendations or orders. You must therefore also follow the municipality's website to stay up to date on what applies where you are.
Advice for everyday life
- Life during coronatimes (helsenorge.no)