Social Distancing Gear Market Share

North America Market Insight

The social distancing gear market in North America is expected to hold the highest market share of 33% within the forecast period, due to tightening regulatory mandates, provincial and Federal investments, and insurance coverage expansion. This leadership is supported by policies from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which have promoted the adoption of social distancing measures in healthcare facilities, including requirements for personal protective equipment and physical distancing protocols. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also issued guidelines to ensure workplace safety, reinforcing the need for distancing gear.

The social distancing gear market in the U.S. is growing due to heightened regulatory mandates in healthcare settings, rising funding for infection prevention in hospitals, and broader insurance and public health policy support. With guidance from CDC and OSHA strongly supporting physical distancing, wearing of PPEs, and installation of barriers, transmission may occur in congregate settings and healthcare facilities. As per a report by OSHA, July 2023, the average price for PPE in 2022 was 37.4% higher than the average price over the last 14 years, reflecting increased demand and supply constraints. New CMS rules also now impose additional staffing and space standards upon hospitals and long-term care facilities as another way to ensure a safe environment for providing care. 

Europe Market Insight

The social distancing gear market in Europe is expected to hold the fastest-growing market within the forecast period due to tightening infection prevention and control (IPC) regulations across the states, rising incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), increased funding for hospital safety infrastructure, and emphasis on guidelines for preparedness and response in cross-border health threats under EU mandates. According to a report by the Europe Parliament in February 2025, over 70% of the EU’s health impact from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is linked to healthcare-associated infections, prompting the EU Commission and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to support joint actions and co-funded programs, which will increase the market.

The market in the UK is growing due to an increased government supply of PPE for health and social care settings, mandates for free PPE to care workers, higher healthcare expenditures, and an increased regulatory focus on workplace and hospital safety. According to a report by the Government of the UK in April 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) of England distributed 27.1 billion articles of PPE to health and social care services, indicating continuous governmental investment in PPE supplies between 25 February 2020 and 31 March 2023, reflecting sustained governmental investment in PPE supplies. Such sustained governmental commitment to PPE availability is anticipated to see greater uptake of social distancing gear across sectors, thereby improving public health safety standards.

Current Healthcare Expenditure in 2022 (€ million)

Source: Eurostat, November 2025

Asia Pacific Market Insight

The social distancing gear market in the Asia Pacific is poised to secure steady growth in the market throughout the forecast period. The regional propagation is greatly committed to the expanding base of consumers, initiatives by the government, and the modernization of healthcare. As per a report by the United Nations 2023, the Asia Pacific region holds more than 60% of the world's population, with rapid urbanization contributing to higher demand for upgradation of health infrastructure in terms of infection control and social distancing. In addition, Government initiatives in nations such as India, China, and Australia have increased investment in health safety equipment substantially, fueling growth in the market.

The market in China is growing as a result of government efforts, modernization of healthcare, and growing consumer demand. The government has been making huge investments in the healthcare infrastructure, including purchasing and distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide public health safety. According to a report by the People’s Republic of China in April 2025, more than 10 million individuals have already signed up for and are utilizing digital vaccination certificates, which equate to lifelong insurance for individuals, indicating a significant effort to enhance public health measures. This widespread application of health-specific digital platforms is a testament to the government's initiatives to enhance public health infrastructure and readiness.