Social distancing has become the new normal for the majority of Americans in order to help slow the spread of the coronavirus . Many folks across the country have been staying at home for the better part of a month, in accordance with directives from government and health officials.

When people need to leave their homes to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, for example health experts have advised maintaining a 6-foot distance from others.

The rule has caused some people to wonder if its safe to see friends, chat with neighbors or go for social distancing walks , as long as the 6-foot distance is honored. While experts have urged people not to visit one anothers homes during the pandemic (sorry, but thats not social distancing!), spending time in the great outdoors is undoubtedly a bit murkier.

To get some insight into the parameters of the 6-foot rule, we turned to medical experts. Ahead, find out what doctors have to say about the dos and donts of staying 6 feet apart, and whether those socially distant walks are a good idea.

First off, why is 6 feet apart the rule for social distancing?

When someone coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets can linger in the air and travel approximately 6 feet, hence the social distancing rule. Joshua Barocas, an infectious diseases physician at Boston Medical Center and assistant professor at Boston University School of Medicine , emphasizes that this rule is especially important for anyone exhibiting signs of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Its important to remember that if you have symptoms, then you should stay at home, he said. Creating as much space between you and others [even in your home] is essential.

Even if youre not feeling sick, keeping a distance from others is crucial. People can be asymptomatic carriers of the virus, and research shows those individuals are contributing greatly to the community spread of the coronavirus more than scientists originally thought.

Barocas also noted that some new data suggests that the droplets carrying the virus might actually be able to travel farther than 6 feet, which should push people to take additional precautions.

Tony Yuan, a physician and medical director at the online service Doctor On Demand , pointed out that if someone coughs or sneezes with force, or if theres a strong gust of wind, the droplets can be carried for greater distances.

There is no definite magic about 6 feet, Barocas said. But it is important to remain a safe distance away from others so that one decreases the likelihood of running into a droplet.