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What To Do When Someone Invades Your 6-Foot Space

June 15, 2020

If the old Police lyrics “Don’t stand so close to me. . .” play in your head in this COVID-19 world, you’ve probably wondered how to talk with people who invade your 6-foot social-distancing zone.

It’s a tough conversation. You want to be polite and avoid an argument, but you want to be safe. Whether you’re in line at the grocery store and someone doesn’t see the tape on the floor delineating separation between you, or a friend leans in for a hug, there are plenty of dilemmas to stump even Emily Post.

“Many people understand that limiting contact with others is the way to slow the spread of COVID-19, but, in reality, practices vary greatly from one person to another,” said Dr. Ajay Kumar, chief clinical officer of Hartford HealthCare.

If you’re faced with a situation you feel endangers your safety or that of your family, consider these tips:

  • Be safe. Some people vehemently oppose being asked to wear a mask and the topic has become emotionally charged. You don’t want to trigger an explosive reaction, so try putting more space between you and the other person. If you’re in a public place, you could also mention the situation to a manager.
  • Be realistic. Remember that brief contact doesn’t usually lead to virus exposure, so if someone rides by you on the bike path without wearing a mask, it’s not a big deal.
  • Be understanding. Don’t assume ill intent. Not everyone has the same grasp of social distancing and, for some, not hugging is difficult. Some may think if you’re both wearing masks, it’s OK to enter your 6-foot space (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests keeping the distance even when wearing masks). Talk to others and see where they’re coming from. You don’t have to agree with them but understanding can soften your reaction. When it comes to teens, who may not think they’ll get sick, explain that they might sicken someone else, like a grandparent.
  • Be polite. There’s no reason to be combative or aggressive. Clearly and calmly remind them of the guidelines, or point to one-way arrows on store floors. Don’t be accusatory or call the other person “selfish,” but say it’s a way to keep you both safe. Sometimes sharing your vulnerability – maybe you or a close relative are immunocompromised – gets your message across best.
  • Be calm. You can’t control anyone but yourself, and trying to might leave you angry and frustrated. If someone refuses to move back in a store line, move to another register. You are not the social distancing police.
  • Be clear. When you decide your boundaries, clearly let others know what you can and cannot accept. If a suggested activity falls outside of those parameters, offer an alternative like virtual activities.

Not feeling well? Call your healthcare provider for guidance and try to avoid going directly to an emergency department or urgent care center, as this could increase the chances of the disease spreading.

Click here to schedule a virtual visit with a Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent care doctor.

Stay with Hartford HealthCare for everything you need to know about the coronavirus threat. Click here for information updated daily.

Questions? Call our 24-hour hotline (860.972.8100 or, toll-free, 833.621.0600). 

Get text alerts by texting 31996 with COVID19 in the message field.