Governments all around the world are advising people to practice social distancing to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and to lessen the load on health services, but what exactly is social distancing? In this article, we find out what social distancing is and why it is important.
What is Social Distancing?
Well, as the name suggests, Social Distancing means not coming into contact with other people unless it’s absolutely necessary, this includes several things such as:-
- Staying at the house and not having other people over
- Avoid going to other people’s house
- No going out for restaurants and parties
- Not going to sporting events or live events
- Working from home if possible
- Avoid using public transport or going to highly crowded places
- Maintain a distance of at least six feet if you decide to go out
Why is Social Distancing Important?
Social Distancing is crucial to stop the spread of coronavirus, by staying at home and isolating yourselves, you can significantly stop the spread of the virus, this also helps in flattening the curve, which means that by taking protective practices you can slow the rate COVID-19 infection so hospitals have rooms, supplies and doctors for all of the patients who need care. If many people fall ill at the same time, this can cause a lot of panics, as there will be a shortage of hospital beds, equipment or doctors, and can also result in more deaths, on the other hand, if a fewer number of patients arrive at the hospital, the health facilities can take better care of them and there won’t be any shortage of supplies, resulting in far fewer deaths.
What Does This Mean To You?
This means that you should stop going out unless it’s really necessary, you can go out to get medicines and groceries, you just have to be careful and maintain a distance of at least 2 meters. Experts have also advised that you thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables after you buy them, and wash your hands immediately after coming home. At the moment, there’s no evidence that the virus can live in food, so you can eat whatever you want, but taking the extra precaution of washing the vegetables, or disinfecting containers should be followed.
If you absolutely have to go to work, then you should practice as much social distancing that is possible, keep regularly washing your hands, and avoid touching your mouth, eyes, ears or nose, if you can, avoid using public transport, or travel during hours when there are fewer people.
Though you can go to buy groceries or visit medical facilities, avoid going out as much as you can, as it is still the best way to prevent the virus from spreading. Restaurants, cafes, places of worship, movie theatres, Malls, Supermarkets, sports venues, museums are few of the places that you should avoid going to until health officials say it’s safe to visit.
