Illustration of the concept of social distancing as a way to prevent the spread of covid-19, the new coronavirus disease. After the first person in the line contracts the disease from the virus (red and blue), each person next to them contracts it in turn. After one person moves out of the line, or practices social distancing, the cycle of infection is broken. Social distancing involves keeping a physical distance when in public, avoiding gatherings, as well as reducing or stopping leaving the house altogether.