The recent increase in localised coronavirus lockdowns in the UK demonstrates why it is crucial for businesses and the public sector to integrate clear demarcation areas for social distancing.
Cities and towns, including Manchester, Leicester, Preston and Aberdeen, have all had local lockdowns in recent weeks due to spikes in instances of coronavirus.
This, according to Robert Hawgood, Managing Director of Studmarc, clearly demonstrates the importance of demarcation in areas where the public and employees congregate or work in order to avoid close contact and the potential spread of the virus.
“Temporary solutions to guide social distancing have been in place for several months. Stickers on the floor, walls or signs in shopping centres, walkways and offices have become commonplace.
Long-term demarcation solutions are needed
“However, from what we understand, coronavirus and the need for social distancing are going to be with us for the medium to long term. As a result, we need to look at how we can continue to enforce social distancing measures in place of the current temporary solutions.”
Mr Hawgood said demarcation of areas for social distancing had to become a more permanent solution in order to be effective.
“We are going to have to begin integrating permanent measures into buildings and walkways, as well as offices and public areas, to ensure such social distancing can be enforced for the wellbeing of the public, customers and employees.”
Ensuring the public and employees wellbeing
He added: “Guiding people in the direction they need to walk, such as one-way pedestrian systems on pavements, to marking out areas for cyclists, these can all be integrated into architecture, pavements and structures with solutions including road and building studs and street furniture.
“These not only provide a visible guide to a pedestrian, cyclist or even a motorist, but can also provide a tactile method for warning and or guiding people.”
Mr Hawgood said such a solution was more aesthetically pleasing, while also being durable and long-lasting. The solutions can also be retrofitted into existing areas and buildings.
“We’ve been supplying property developers and owners, as well as local authorities and private businesses with such studs for a range of uses prior to the coronavirus situation.
“Whether for parking space demarcation, warnings about steps, or just as a visual marker. They are a good way to guide or warn people without detracting from the local architecture or environment,” he said.
By introducing such measures to guide on social distancing, whether in a pedestrianised street, shopping centre, office areas or other public realms, they offer the same level of guidance but are much more in-keeping and long-lasting.”
Importance of workplace demarcation
For employers, such demarcation is important in a range of working areas. From reception to toilets, canteens to offices, clear marked and spaced out areas are important.
Studmarc, which is based near Newtown, Powys, in Mid Wales, also provides anti-skating solutions. During the lockdown there was a rise in some areas of anti-social behaviour through skaters using public areas.
Studmarc’s anti-skating studs can be used on pavements and walkways, street furniture and other architecture to protect buildings and to also deter skaters.
More details about Studmarc and its demarcation and anti-skating studs can be found at www.studmarc.com.
