(METRO) As COVID-19 continued to spread across the world, it quickly became evident that the public would have to take drastic measures to slow the transmission. In addition to practicing generalized sanitation and good hygiene, people in some of the hardest-hit clusters were advised to take additional, more aggressive measures.

Quarantines and travel restrictions were implemented, and the term “social distancing” became a buzzword. Social distancing involves people keeping a physical distance from each other during disease outbreaks in order to slow transmission rates. Social distancing also is employed to lessen the impact of the disease on the medical care system, which quickly can become overwhelmed with a high number of cases presenting in a short period of time. Here are some of the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other leading health groups.

Opt out of group events. Steer clear of events, whether meeti...