The World Health Organisation advises a distance of one metre social distancing as safe to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
European Governments have translated this advice differently, Italy and France now advise social distancing of 1m, in line with WHO advice.
Germany somewhat more cautiously advises social distancing of 1.5m.
The UK follows a 2m social distancing policy.
The social distancing policy of the UK Government is one of, if not the most, difficult and costly policies for hospitality businesses to adapt to.
Safe distancing hospitality clash – Do the maths
In the simplest of mathematical equations the layout of floor space for both 1m and 2m distancing is all too evident.
The outcome from the difference in the practicalities of preparing to reopen with 2m social distancing required compared to 1m is more than squared.
For different hospitality businesses this has different levels of restriction, smaller restaurants being just one example.
For workplace foodservice providers and their clients the dilemma is pronounced and one that many have been trying to calculate already.
Workplace foodservice clients have already shared their thoughts with us, as have workplace foodservice providers.
Currently it is looking like the Government may change social distancing guidelines as ministers and business leaders call for the UK to follow WHO guidelines.
Safe distancing hospitality clash – urgent answer required
There are loud voices on both sides advocating 2m and 1m, the most startling differences being between the scientists advising Government and the ministers not wanting to listen to their advice.
As the hospitality industry moves ever closer to reopening all involved need to resolve this issue.
The clash, should I stay with 2m, or should I go with 1m, requires a very urgent answer.
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