Can cyclists and runners spew viruses farther than 6 feet?

Runners and bikers can leave a 'slipstream' of virus particles in their wake, according to new research showing that it makes sense to stay farther away from them. — dpa/Julian Stratenschulte

Six feet (1.8m) is the accepted threshold for social distancing in the United States, while the Brits use a 2m rule for extra coronavirus protection. The Australians have opted for a bit less, at 1.5m.

While there is some uncertainty on the right cutoff point, those guidelines are based on how far droplets tend to travel from our mouths before settling to the ground.