Social distancing signs and posters: how many kangaroos is 1.5m?

The answer to a beastly problem: many cities around the world have found creative ways to illustrate social distancing in public. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

In the Northern Territory, they are recommending one small saltwater crocodile, or 10 footballs. At Cairns airport in far north Queensland, the ruler of choice is the 1.5 metre wide, and potentially deadly, cassowary.

As coronavirus cases rise in Victoria and New South Wales, Australians are being reminded to maintain social distancing, wear masks in crowded place, and practice good hygiene, to prevent the spread.

A campaign from Amsant, the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory, showcases a series of uniquely Territorian ways of marking out the space. It’s the equivalent of 10 footballs, or six boomerangs, or five sea turtles, or one small saltie.

A flyer used in the Northern Territory in Australia explaining how to socially distance. Includes 10 footballs, six boomerangs, five sea turtles and one small saltie. Photograph: Amsant/Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory

At the University of Sydney’s veterinary teaching hospital, as Guardian Australia revealed in May, they use the motto: “Keep four koalas of space between you and others”.

A sign at the Sydney University Veterinary teaching hospital explains physical distancing with koalas. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

In Queensland, the cassowary – whose claws are 12.5cm long – is the reminder of choice at Cairns airport. A few hundred kilometres south, at the Townsville campus of James Cook University, you need two of the smaller, and as far as we know non-lethal, bush turkey.

My favourite one so far. pic.twitter.com/H0TlSOGNuq

— Alyx Gorman (@AlyxG) July 23, 2020

Greeted by this novel social distancing sign today my 1st day back in the office ... two bush turkeys apart... made me smile... only in NQ! @jcu @nwqran pic.twitter.com/LweQl8Fc5R

— Lynore K. Geia (@LynoreGeia) July 22, 2020

At the Hotel Hollywood in Sydney, a large yellow sign proclaims patrons should stay at least one adult kangaroo apart.

Nice pic.twitter.com/UBEPa5ybKG

— david munk (@davidmunk) July 9, 2020

In Japan, designer Eisuke Tachikawa created a series of public health posters, including an arresting 2-metre wide tuna.

We made a poster with volunteers to help people understand the social distancing to prevent infection. Please download and post at fish markets, bicycle lots, crosswalks, and other places where there is a risk of congestion #SocialDistancing #PANDAID https://t.co/QPGYemgFhX pic.twitter.com/o5U3w9Ybb5

— 太刀川英輔／NOSIGNER (@_NOSIGNER) April 12, 2020

And social media users have delighted in sharing other examples, from Wishaw in Scotland:

The best social distancing sign I've seen so far, at Artisan in Wishaw pic.twitter.com/Ls6OsHaDuI

— Aileen Reid (@aileen1963) July 18, 2020

Sunderland in England:

From Friday 24 July, it will be mandatory to wear a face covering when:

👉 in supermarkets and shops 👜, as well as when
👉 using public transport 🚌
👉 visiting a hospital 🏥

Remember to wash or sanitise your hands when putting on, or removing your face covering. pic.twitter.com/uHoB35hNJh

— Sunderland UK 🏖️ #StayHomeSaveLives (@SunderlandUK) July 20, 2020

And various places in the US:

.@jimmyjohns’ social distancing sign 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/XPhjRHE0tb

— Ian Oland (@ianoland) July 18, 2020

Love the creativity of social distancing signs. Saw this on a friends Instagram and had to share. All my middle school colleagues can relate. pic.twitter.com/Jf9A4VTT0p

— Randy Heath (@ranhea1751) July 19, 2020

Love this social distancing sign in the llama and alpaca barn at the Crawford County. Ohio, Fair. pic.twitter.com/fEPM3RBr1K

— Joe & Fran D. (@DarmofalRacing) July 22, 2020

This social distancing sign at a park https://t.co/ydbGjzf39w pic.twitter.com/RWbreBYh62

— Funniest Of Reddit (@YesFunnies) July 16, 2020