[keep] a distance

to maintain a physical or metaphorical separation from someone or something, often for safety, privacy, or respect

During the pandemic, it's important to keep a safe distance from others to prevent the spread of the virus.
He prefers to keep a distance from his coworkers when he's working on a project.
To avoid interfering, it's best to keep a distance when someone is going through a difficult time.
Maintaining a professional relationship with clients often involves keeping a respectful distance.
Sometimes it's necessary to keep a distance from negative influences in your life.