ENFORCING a universal 2m social distancing rule is a 'simplification' of how coronavirus is spread but the impact of reducing to 1m is still 'uncertain', according to a new study.

Oxford University's Centre for Evidence Based Medicine undertook a review of the evidence about social distancing and Covid-19 spread

It found while increasing physical distance was linked to a decreasing risk of transmission, universally imposing 2m social distancing was a 'simplification of viral transfer'.

It added airborne virus-laden particles may spread up to eight metres from infected patients, but there was limited evidence to show a direct role in transmission.

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The review stressed safe social distancing is likely 'highly context specific', depending on multiple factors to do with the person and environment, including viral load, duration of contact, indoor versus outdoor settings, and ventilation.

It also said social distancing must not be used alone, and other measures such as effective hand washing, regular surface cleaning, and isolation of affected people should be used too.

The review added: “As lockdown is being relaxed, and without a vaccine in place, we have to remain vigilant.

"While SARS-CoV-2 [coronavirus] transmission risk is related to distance, the minimum safe physical distance to minimise this risk is uncertain.

"Easing physical distancing restrictions from 2m to 1m may have socioeconomic advantages but may also increase the risk of transmission and increased SARS-CoV-2 incidence.”