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Social distancing can limit the chance of catching coronavirus to under 3%, according to the most comprehensive study so far.
Keeping one metre apart reduces the risk of transmission to 2.6%, while a two-metre gap decreases the chance of infection by a further 50%.
The international report, published in The Lancet, analysed data from 172 studies in 16 countries.
It found that by wearing a face mask there is just a 3% chance of catching Covid-19.
Eye protection lowers the risk to 5.5%.
Although some of the evidence is considered "low certainty", the study provides the clearest picture yet that social distancing measures and face coverings will be key in slowing the spread of the virus and allowing
lockdown restrictions
to be eased safely.
However, the report warns that even combining and properly using face masks, goggles and social distancing doesn't provide complete protection.
The authors suggest that healthcare workers should wear respirators rather than surgical masks for "greater protection".
Coronavirus UK tracker: How many cases are in your area – updated daily
Governments across the world have taken different approaches to safety measures, including social distancing and the compulsory wearing of face masks, in part due to conflicting scientific opinions.
In France, China and Hong Kong, parts of the hospitality sector have reopened with a one-metre rule in place, while Spain has far stricter mandatory face mask rules than most other countries in Europe.
The aim of the report, which combines studies from around the globe and analyses all available evidence, is to help determine which measures might reduce transmission.
However, the report also says that a surge in demand for face masks could "divert supplies from health-care workers and other caregivers at highest risk for infection" and that governments need to "quickly address access issues for face masks to ensure that they are equally available for all".
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As lockdown in the UK begins to ease, Boris Johnson faces a difficult balancing act between preventing a second wave of the virus and the risk that some businesses could collapse if the rules are too stringent.
The hospitality industry has begun lobbying for the social distancing guideline to be cut from two metres to one. The Lancet report will be used as evidence that venues can start to reopen.
Matty Hall, who co-owns The Lexington pub and concert venue in Angel, says that a two-metre rule would reduce capacity from 200 down to 30, meaning it wouldn't be financially viable to reopen.
As well as ensuring tables are spaced apart and the bar sectioned off, they would have to put a system in place for using the toilets and only one person could use the stairs at a time.
"With one metre we might be able to pay some of the bills but we certainly wouldn't be able to turn a profit or run in that manner indefinitely", says Mr Hall.
"It would perhaps slow us going bust".
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
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