social distancing News

Study: Masks, Distancing, Testing Shown As Effective As Vaccines on College Campuses

The combined effectiveness of three COVID-prevention strategies on college campuses—mask-wearing, social distancing, and routine testing—are as effective in preventing coronavirus infections as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to a new …

Masks Help Curb COVID-19’s Spread But May Not be Enough at Close Distances

Simply wearing a face mask may not be enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19 without social distancing. In a new project Physics of Fluids, by AIP Publishing, researchers tested how five different types of mask materials impacted the spread …

With COVID Infections Rising, England Limits Gatherings, Plans for Mass Testing

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new restrictions on social gatherings in England on Wednesday, saying there was a clear need to act after a spike in COVID-19 infections. Speaking at a televised news conference, flanked by his top medical advisers, …

Public Confidence, Often Inscrutable, Now Pivotal for Recovery: Viewpoint

Public confidence in virus control, rather than the length and stringency of government lockdowns, may be the best way to gauge how economies emerge from this year’s pandemic – though tracking that confidence can be a bewildering business. Apparent gaps …

‘Defensive Dining’: Keeping Makeshift Outdoor Eateries Safe From Storms, Drivers

Outdoor spaces hastily fancified for low-risk dining are keeping thousands of U.S. restaurants from closing permanently. But crashing the dinner party are tropical storms, rats — and the occasional out-of-control vehicle. On July 5, five people were injured when a …

How the Pandemic May Change ‘Work-Life Balance’ Forever

When it comes to helping employees balance work hours with relaxation, Acuity Insurance Chief Executive Officer Ben Salzmann has a unique tool at his disposal: a 65-foot Ferris wheel. Before the pandemic struck, Salzmann would regularly fire up the amusement-park …

Meat Packing Plant Owners Defend Operations During Pandemic

As part of an investigation into the spread of coronavirus at U.S. meat plants, Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker released responses from major producers that defended their operations during the pandemic. The four biggest meatpackers — Tyson Foods …

Insurers Are Creating Products for World Where Pandemics Could Become New Norm

Insurers are creating products for a world where virus outbreaks could become the new normal after many businesses were left out in the cold during the COVID-19 crisis. While new pandemic-proof policies might not be cheap, they offer businesses from …

Smart Cameras at Amazon Provide Real-Time Social Distancing Feedback to Employees

Amazon Inc. is pairing cameras with artificial intelligence to enforce social distancing among employees in its offices and warehouses. The system gives employees real time feedback on whether they are complying with the six feet social distancing rule. “Given social …

Airlines Vow to Ban Passengers Who Refuse to Wear Masks

U.S. airline passengers who refuse to wear facial coverings during the novel coronavirus pandemic could have their flying privileges revoked, the industry’s main lobby group said on Monday. Major U.S. airlines may prevent anyone not wearing a mask from boarding …