Floor Marking Helps Maintain Safe Distances

The CDC has encouraged social distancing to slow the spread of coronavirus. However, keeping 6 feet away from other people might not be as easy as some think. To help slow the spread of COVID-19, stores and fast-food restaurants are implementing floor marking and signs to keep everyone a safe distance apart from each other.

COVID-19, according to health experts, is easily spread from person to person when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes and spreads droplets to nearby surfaces and people. People who are in close contact are the most at risk. Social distancing helps stop or slow down the spread of a highly contagious disease, according to public health officials. 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, "Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community (about 6 feet). This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick."

Distance Communication

Distance communication is critical to achieving social distancing.In Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, and other states, essential retail businesses are required to have someone establish, implement, and enforce social distancing policies Floor marking and signs help draw attention to the safe distancing rules. They provide visual cues to tell someone how far away they should be from someone else. Implementing good social distancing policies starts with organization and proactive action using safety as a focal point.

Reinforcing the Rules

Several weeks ago, The Home Depot established a task force led by the chain's medical health management team to plan for the potential impacts of COVID-19. Floor marking for safe distancing is among several precautions Home Depot is taking, the company said in a statement. At a store in Beaverton, Oregon, solid line markers help shoppers not stand so close to each other while waiting in lines to check out. Staff is seen encouraging shoppers to follow and stay within the markings. If staff notice someone not paying attention to the floor marking, they kindly remind them to follow the safe distancing rule.

The same social distancing concept led to marks on the inside of some McDonald's restaurants, where takeout guests stand on strategically spaced out black and white checkered boxes with an X inside.

Path to Safety

Whether using X's, dots, lines, or other shapes, all types of floor marking contribute to workplace and public safety. It also increases workplace efficiency and improves organization. Floor marking can be used in any facility to identify the safest and most efficient paths for workers and guests. Highlight emergency exits using highly visible floor marking, and outline stairs, edges, and areas prone to slips and trips with treaded surface floor marking.

Safety is a clear goal for floor marking. It also increases workplace efficiency and improves organization. Floor marking can be used in any facility to identify work locations and the safest and most efficient paths for workers and guests. Highlight emergency exits using highly visible floor marking tape and outline stairs, edges, and areas prone for slips and trips with treaded surface floor marking.

Take steps toward a safer business and working environment with PathFinder floor marking, wayfinding, and safety tape by Duralabel. We offer standard floor marking tape, preprinted messages, floor signs, to help meet different needs and priorities in all types of environments. Find out how to get started implementing floor marking in your facility to quickly and easily reinforce social distancing requirements. Learn more about PathFinder floor marking tape.  

Image credit: Getty