Internists Reinforce Recommendations for Social Distancing to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Philadelphia (March 26, 2020) —The American College of Physicians (ACP) supports science-based recommendations for social distancing, in a new ACP policy on social distancing published today.

“ACP supports the continued urging for social distancing, based on current science-based recommendations.  As challenging as social distancing can be for both patients and physicians, it is currently our best weapon to stop the spread of COVID-19.  ACP will continue to follow the advice of public health experts to practice social distancing, as the day-to-day situation with the COVID-19 public health crisis evolves,” said Robert McLean, MD, MACP, president, ACP.

The policy states:

Decisions on easing, extending or increasing isolation or social distancing recommendations and requirements should be constantly re-evaluated and based on what clinical and public health experts assess to be the most effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19, treating those with it, reducing illness and mortality, and ensuring that the health care system has the necessary capacity to provide evidence-based treatments to all who require them. Such science-based recommendations should be supported and not undermined by federal, state, or local public officials.  Currently, social distancing is our best defense to reduce spread of the disease to save lives and conserve health system capacity, should be implemented more broadly, and be maintained for as long as evidence suggests necessary.

Contact: Edward Vassallo, (215) 351-2761, EVassallo@acponline.org


About the American College of Physicians

The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 159,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.