Touch Me Not: Physical Distancing in Radiology during COVID-19

In the era of COVID-19, “social distancing” has become a buzzword. Strictly speaking, social distancing refers to physically distancing by 1 to 2 m, but the overall concept is more important: disrupting the infectious chain by separating those with the disease from those without [1]. Epidemiologists have espoused the term, believing in its ability to “flatten the curve.” By reducing the exponential rise in cases, the health care system is not overwhelmed and can function sustainably over the long term [1]. Although this concept’s main intention is to control disease, in the hospital setting, it provides the equally important added benefit of ensuring continuity of vital services should intrahospital transmission occur [2]. We are part of a 1,700-bed hospital, with a radiological service strength of over 600 (41 residents, 77 attending physicians [nuclear medicine, interventional, diagnostic], 273 radiographers, and 240 nurses and administrative support staff). This article describes our measures and early experiences with safe distancing in our radiology service.