Social distancing and government borrowing

Available for over a year

As lockdowns start to lift, many countries are relying on social distancing to continue to slow the spread of coronavirus. The UK says we should stay 2 metres apart, the World Health Organisation recommends 1 metre, Canada six feet. So where do these different measurements come from? Plus, governments around the world are trying to prop up their economies by borrowing money. But with everyone in the same situation, where are they borrrowing from? Producers: Darin Graham, Kate Lamble and May Cameron Presenter: Tim Harford Editor: Richard Vadon (Passengers queue while keeping social distance waiting to board a Rajdhani Express train to Delhi on May 13, 2020, Patna, India. Credit: Santosh Kumar/ Getty Images)