Criticality of physical/social distancing, handwashing, respiratory
hygiene, and face-masking during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
Abstract
Physical/social distancing, handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and
face-masking have been recommended as realistic counterstrategies to
control the COVID-19 pandemic. These strategies have been critical in
the fight against the present pandemic in many countries. Here, we
detail the background to such countermeasures, present some examples in
different settings, and finally emphasize that they should remain in
place worldwide as a cultural and behavioral “new normal” until a
vaccine or a decisive treatment for COVID-19 is developed and made
available globally.