We were not even familiar with the expression ‘social distancing’, but across the globe, the term “social distancing” seems to be flooding social media feeds and news stories.
With rising cases a lot of questions about what measures you can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
How Important Is Social Distancing To Help Prevent COVID-19?
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So one of the most important things you can do at this time is participating in social distancing. What is social distancing? Why is it important? Read on to find more about it.
What Is Social Distancing?
Social distancing means keeping distance or maintaining the physical distance between two individuals with the motive of eliminating the possibility of transmission of the virus. Keeping physical distance is important, even if you are not sick, so make sure to stay at least 6 feet away from others..
Popular ways of enforcing social distancing are:
- Stay home as much as possible.
- Work from home instead of an office.
- Avoid contact with anyone who does not live at your house, including friends and other families.
- Avoid prolonged contact with crowds, indoors or out.
- Limit public transportation.
- Keep a safe distance between yourself and fellow passengers while traveling.
Why Is Social Distancing Important?
Coronavirus can be spread easily through the spray of tiny droplets from coughs and sneezes. And also it can spread through everyday contacts, such as through shaking hands and sharing items.
Many of the research and studies suggest that the outbreak is converted into a pandemic in no time is due to the free movement of the people who were unaware of the truth that they were carrying the virus.
So this is the main reason why health authorities believe that practicing social distancing will significantly trim down the spread of the fatal virus.
Difference between Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation
Social distancing
Social distancing means keeping distance or limiting close contact between yourself and others in your community, even if you are not sick or at risk. Keep a minimum distance of 5-6 feet between you and other people outside your home, which means no group gatherings and staying away from crowded places.
Quarantine
Quarantine means staying at home and avoiding contact with other individuals, because you are at risk for COVID-19 due to possible exposure. Quarantine helps to keep from passing the illness on to others in your home.
And it may also be ordered by health departments or federal or state officials. Those who have been exposed to the virus but do not have symptoms should self-quarantine for 14 days and after 14 days if you have no symptoms, you are no longer at risk for getting COVID-19.
Isolation
Isolation during coronavirus means that you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 and need to be extra careful to avoid spreading the virus to others. It may occur at home or in the hospital and the caregivers should wear protective gear to lower the risk of becoming infected.
There are several ways that the virus may spread:
- Coronavirus can be spread through direct contact with a person, like through a handshake.
- It can also be spread when a person touches a surface with the virus and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
- When an individual has the virus coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby.
- Droplets in the air also contain the virus and that may be inhaled into the lungs.
How to Practice Social Distancing?
- Avoid large social gatherings, such as sports events and concerts, as well as closing schools, bars, and restaurants, and continue work from home instead of an office.
- Stay home if you can, but if you must go out, stay away from large crowds.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Quarantine if you may have been exposed.
- Try purchasing your groceries online.
- Cancel all travel plans to avoid crowds and airplanes.
- Avoid public transportation, if you need to leave take your vehicle.
Whom the Social Distancing is for ?
Social distancing is for those who are at higher risk of serious complications caused by COVID-19 should be cautious about social distancing.
Older adults and those who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.
Does Social Distancing Work?
Mostly yes, because social distancing works to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. Also, social distancing and proper personal hygiene have been proven effective in reducing the number of active cases.
Now you know why social distancing is so vital in the fight against coronavirus, and every individual has a role to play to keep their loved ones and their community safe.
So to start with social distancing, add basic measures, like hand washing, wearing a face mask are essential to reduce transmission.
STAY HOME, STAY SAFE.
