5 Creative Ways Establishments Are Helping Visitors Physical Distance

As establishments begin to reopen across the country, most are required to take extra physical distancing precautions to reduce the possibility of a second COVID-19 wave. Requiring face masks, regular hand-washing and hand sanitizer are pretty straightforward for businesses, but how do they comply with keeping customers at least 6 feet apart?

Many businesses have already implemented new measures to help keep you safe. For example, stores tape lines at 6-foot intervals for customers waiting to check out. Others put directional arrows up and down aisles so everyone moves in the same direction, evenly spaced. Others offer curbside pick-up, or may reduce the number of tables in the building to spread patrons out.

While physical distancing in public spaces is a challenge for everyone, a few businesses and organizations got creative. After all, why not make the difficulty of staying away from others just a little bit more tolerable — even fun.

Here are five establishments that rose to the physical distancing challenge.

1. Tube Tables

Revolution Event Design and Production unveiled its brand new physical distancing table at Fish Tales in Ocean City, Maryland. The fun tables are surrounded by an innertube that will keep guests at least six feet apart (though we would recommend face masks and not clinking glasses).

2. Pool Noodle Hats

Who doesn’t want to wear a fabulous hat while out on the town for a lovely lunch? The German Cafe Rothe in Schwerin put a creative spin on dining wear with its pool noodle physical distancing hats. Cafe owner Jaqueline Rothe told CNN customers loved the extra novelty, which was done especially for its reopening.

3. Holy Water Gun

Father Tim Pelc of St. Ambrose Parish in Michigan found himself the subject of a series of hilarious memes after photos showed him squirting parishioners with holy water using a water gun. Decked out in a mask and face shield, Father Pelc said he was blessing children’s Easter baskets for the holiday and he wanted to make the experience fun.

4. Low-Budget Instructional Videos

As dentists and orthodontists prepare their practice to get back to work, they’re taking precautions to limit COVID-19 infection risk for patients and staff. While many dental offices are taking similar actions — taking temperatures, closing waiting rooms and wearing extra personal protective equipment — Cobb Orthodontics added a fun twist with its informational video.

5. Nature Inspiration

Every region is known for its unique plant and animal life. In Florida, it’s alligators. Capitalizing on what its residents know — the size of an alligator — officials for Leon County in Tallahassee, Florida, found the perfect design to illustrate physical distancing.

Concerned about coronavirus? Stay safe using the tips from these articles:

• How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
  
• What You Should Know About Social Distancing During COVID-19
  
• 8 Soaps You Can Use to Help Prevent the Spread of Illness
  
• 10 Face Masks People With Chronic Illness Recommend