To get better distancing given Covid-19 conditions, consider purchasing 4ft x 8ft panels of rigid foam insulation, cutting the panels into two 2ft x 8ft panels and mounting the lights as suggested in these Overhead Light Brigade and Daily Kos articles.  

The panels are inexpensive and available from most "big box" home improvement stores.   They are lightweight.  Use Gorilla tape to strengthen the areas where you will add rope or zip-ties.  Paint with matte finish black.

If you can, try and find ultra-bright holiday lights with replaceable bulbs.   Ultra light bulbs are visible from further out.  They are outdoor lights that are meant for home (120 Volt AC) electrical systems, and strings can be added together.  Very often, people will have a small generator that you can use to power these lights.  

Because these panels are thicker than the plastic sheeting used in the Overhead Light Brigade/Kos designs, you may want to consider "tacking" the light strings with Gorilla tape.  

If you do that, to prevent the tape from ripping the backing on the panels, first put strips of Gorilla tape on the panel and then "tack" the lights to that tape.   Don't use all the lights for letters.  Leave a few at one end and, if you are working with replaceable light strings,  take out bulbs for replacements.   

It should also be possible to get Covid-19 cautious spacing by building signs from individual letters and attaching the letters to a line/rope.   

Suggestions/feedback here very welcome.