Light and dark green Waitrose circular floor sticker with dark and light green text reading ‘Please keep a 2 metre safe distance’, from Waitrose & Partners, Finchley and of the type used in Waitrose shops, made by mactac, during the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020

Staying at least two metres apart and not socialising with anyone you did not live with was the strictest version of social distancing in England. People were reminded of the rules by signs and by staff. It is estimated that spending more than 15 minutes within two metres of a person with COVID-19 can pass on the virus. Many businesses and public spaces developed ways of giving people indicators of how far apart they should be. Floor stickers are one popular method.