Till now it is the best way to limit the spread of virus

Wearing the mask can minimise the social distancing.

Thanks for sharing Jamunanantha Sivanathan

Thanks dear Sura Aldewachi

Thanks dear Rabin Thapa

Yes, dear Sura Aldewachi, WHO and CDC both think so.

I agree, it is the most powerful tool as pre-symptomatic transmission in the community and spread in hotspots, both can be curbed. Additionally, PPE including mask will help further. But, both difficult to sustain.

Thanks Dr. Pranav Ish

I am not sure i agree with the belief that social distancing alone is our best defence against COVID-19. As such, the other weapons in our armamentarium are

1) hand hygiene 2) masks 3)self-reporting of symptoms and self-quarantine .

The main problem with putting all 'our money' on social distancing is it is very difficult to enforce, especially in densely populated countries where there are more people crowded up in a small space. Next is, it is dependent on everybody agreeing to the principles of social distancing and following it meticulously. Even a few people flouting it can be hazardous to all those around.

Aggarwal N, Dwarakanathan V, Gautam N, Ray A. Facemasks for prevention of viral respiratory infections in community settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian J Public Health. 2020;64(Supplement):S192-S200. doi:10.4103/ijph.IJPH_470_20

Finally, it is also important that people who develop certain symptoms (suggestive of COVID-19) owns up to their social responsibility and quarantine themselves with or without testing. This would prevent putting others at risk of infection.

So, in my humble opinion, social distancing is a great tool on paper. But not the most powerful thing against COVID-19 in the real world.

Thanks for your nice sharing Dr. Animesh Ray and whatever your behavior might be you can not spread if you maintain social distancing strictly. WHO and CDC think so.

Of course behavior is very much important but behavioral change is a lengthy process and developed countries even failed to do it and several peaks are there dear Dr. Animesh Ray

The question was which is the most powerful not the only one to prevent spread?

My point is exactly that, none of them is the best in isolation. These have to adopted and followed together for sustainable benefits.

The reference to developing country was regarding the density in population, which is much more than in developed countries. World Health Organization has alluded to the same when they have recommended mask for use in community ' where social distancing is difficult to enforce' as in developing countries.

Thanks for continuing and it's a platform to learn always, dear Dr. Animesh Ray and it will be continued for good to all.

Yes I agree with this opinion

Thanks dear Shno Mustafa Ali

I agree with animesh sir that social distancing is very very difficult to enforce and sustain.

Thanks dear Pranav Ish for your opinion.

You have to maintain it even in masked, dear Pranav Ish . No way to avoid distancing in this crisis otherwise we have to count more.

Most of the patients admitted at our center are family members followed by neighbors, etc. the contact tracing is evident in showing failure of social distancing. I agree with Dr. Muhammed Sir that it must be strictly enforced.

The first case admitted with us in March has recently been published. At that time, we had less than 10 cases in India. The subsequent few admissions were all his contacts.

Article Contact tracing: Unearthing key epidemiological features of COVID-19

Thanks dear Pranav Ish

Here in Nigeria, physical distancing of at least 2 meters is recommended but majority of the population do not adhere, especially in markets and other public places. If only our people can just stick to physical/social distancing alone, things might get better soon.

Thanks for sharing Aniekan Jacob

It is the best for now. Some do not adhere to it so in Ghana compulsory wearing of face mask + social distance is prescribed.

Thanks for sharing Benard Ohene-Botwe

Social distancing would be effective if we know the exact distance where the virus can not reach us, wit or without wearing the face mask. Please mention that WHO has told that the virus could be transferred in the air....

Thanks for sharing dear Nazaruddin Sinaga and it's not the only one rather “the most powerful tool that we have, the most powerful weapon.” Of course we have practice regular hand washing and using face masks too.

I agree with Dr. Robert Redfield .

Thanks for evidence based sharing dear Shazia Kardar

two week lockdown is also valuable.

Social distancing is an effective means of containing the spread of COVID‐19, but only if we all participate. An alternative is a vaccine.

Wearing mask 10%,social distancing 10%, avoiding crowd 10%, avoiding airconditions 10 %, washing hands frequently 10 %, using sanitaisers 10 %,avoid travel 10%, good nutritions 10 %, covid vaccination 10 %, avoid gatherig 10 %.These are the ways to protect 1005 from Covid infection. Dr.C.S.Jamunanantha MBBS DTCD.