The COVID-19 cases are creeping up steadily and as of now, the Coronavirus Cases around the world stand at 1,938,786 and deaths stand at 120,851 while we speak. While the medical community, top hospitals in Hyderabad and other hospitals are trying its’ best to stop the virus from wrecking the world over, we can do something to spread the virus right now, yes we are talking about social distancing here. Social distancing is the only way to stop the deadly virus from spreading.
Social Distancing – What Does it Signify?
Social distancing practices include practices that can stop spread infections. This means staying at home and avoiding large gatherings such as attending schools, offices and avoids proximity among healthy individuals, which can delay the transmission and avoid the spread of the virus further and follow all the Coronavirus safety measures.
Best Ways to Practice Social Distancing?
Stay at home and wave just do not shake hands. Just don’t go anywhere near other contacts. It is very important to understand the importance of the situation and avoid public spaces, unnecessary social gatherings especially events that attract large crowds that will avoid the exposure of the novel Coronavirus and other similar harmful infections.
If you are working, you can stay at home and work from there. You can conduct meetings with the help of video calls and this will help people from avoiding public transport.
The World Health Organization recommends advises people to maintain a social distance of at least 1 meter between yourself and someone who is ill and is sneezing or sniffling. You must avoid physical contact with others and avoid indulging in physical contacts such as handshakes, hugs, and kisses.
The Efficacy of Social Distancing Work – Does it Work?
The erstwhile pandemics such as the 1918 flu pandemic and the Ebola outbreak in2014, that social distancing is one of the best ways to contain infections. Most Coronavirus spreads, like other similar viruses that can spread via a cough or sneeze and can land on common surfaces and hands.
Most doctors and hospitals will tell you that it is important to focus on prevention, while the number of Coronavirus cases keeps on increasing, the only way to add to the ‘number of cases’ is maintaining distance from others and isolation if you feel you are showing signs of the virus or the ‘flu.’ Let’s have it straight here, it is not only about your health we are talking here but also your friends, family, neighbor, stranger, everyone’s health.
It is not an easy thing to do, to disrupt all your social activities in a jiffy, but it is doable if you follow the rules.
Why Should You Practice Social Distancing?
The COVID-19 spread happens when the infected person, sneezes, coughs, or talks and the droplets from their nose/mouth reach the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. People near the infected person inhales the droplets into the lungs. Recent studies reveal that the COVID19 symptoms are apparent from 2-14 days; hence a person who may be unaware of his/her infected status may spread the infection.
You can also get affected if you touch a surface or object with the virus and next touch your mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can stay on the surface for hours; it usually depends on several factors such as sunlight and humidity. Social distancing is the only way you can avoid infected people and surfaces.
Best Tips for Social Distancing
Follow guidance from Governments and Adhere to the Same.
- If you need essential things such as food or medicine to join the queue however you must maintain a distance of 6 feet from others.
- You can even order medications and groceries online. Find a grocery delivery service.
- Protect your face and mouth with a mask or a cloth face cover when you are near others.
- Remember to put a distance of 6 feet and the others, when you are wearing a mask.
- Avoid large gatherings and social activities. Children should stay at home too and avoid play-dates.
- Work from home as much as possible.
- Avoid public transport.
- You can try virtual classes or digital learning for your children.
- Stay connected with your loved ones. There are a number of options you can try and stay digitally connected. Social distancing can make you anxious so it is important to find various relaxation techniques and digital socialization hacks to stay calm while this goes away.
The Main Difference between Quarantine and Isolation?
Quarantine
When one is said to be affected by the COVID-19, one should quarantine themselves and keep away from others. A person who is under self-quarantine must limit their movement outside their home or the place they are quarantined in. Quarantine helps avoid the further spread of the virus.
Isolation
Isolation is the act of separating healthy people from infected people. People who are in isolation must stay at home and not go out. A specific “sick” bedroom or room is allotted to the person and he/she must stay isolated for the required number of days. The person must also use a different bathroom.
The Basic Guidelines to Stop Spread of the Virus
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Cover your nose when you sneeze or cough.
- Use a disinfectant or clean frequently touched areas such as countertops, doorknobs, switch, and tables as often as possible.
These are the basic rules and regulations you must try to avoid the spread of infection. Do it for yourself and the others. Remember you can prevent this infection and social distancing is an integral part of the Covid19 prevention protocol.
