Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there is one thing we have probably heard from everyone, including our government. It is to practice SOCIAL DISTANCING. When we keep our distance from others, it helps slow and prevents the further spread of the virus, which can then help flatten the curve and avoid cases from rising in your area.
But what is social distancing and how can you practice it wherever you go? Read on to learn more about social distancing during these times.
- What is Social Distancing?
Social distancing refers to keeping a space between yourself and other people outside your home. When practicing social distancing, you’ll need to stay at least six feet (which is around two arms’ length) from others.
Why do we need to practice social distancing during these times anyway? Will it be able to do anything?
Yes, it can! In fact, it’s one of the best ways to prevent further spreading of the coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19.
When you keep space between you and other people, it avoids exposure to the virus, slowing its spreading around your area and the world. This is because the virus spreads mainly among those in close contact for prolonged periods. Spreading the virus occurs when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk, with the droplets inhaled into the lungs.
With social distancing, it limits the opportunities to come in contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces outside your home. This lessens you and your household’s risk of getting COVID-19.
- How to Practice Social Distancing Properly
While the risks of severe illnesses and contacting viruses are different for everyone, anyone is susceptible and can spread the COVID-19. That’s why we all play a role to slow down the spread of the disease to protect ourselves and those we live with.
Depending on your current lifestyle and line of work, there are different tips to practice social distancing beyond staying six feet apart from people. Here are the tips to follow:
- In The Workplace
As much as possible, you should keep at least six feet of distance between you and your co-workers. It’s also crucial to practice other preventative measures like washing your hands after touching different surfaces, to avoid touching your face, cover your mouth when coughing, and to stay home when feeling unwell.
If you have the opportunity to work at home, take it to avoid being in contact with others. Furthermore, follow your office’s protocol and any new rules to further prevent the spreading of COVID-19.
- In School
Fortunately, many schools and universities have postponed all in-person classes, moving to online classes for this school year. However, when in-person classes do a resume, it’s still important to practice social distancing and limit close contact with others.
People of all ages should follow preventative measures and stay at least six feet away from others, taking every other seat in the classroom instead of sitting right beside one another. Schools may soon send out new rules and changes regarding in-person classes soon, so do watch out for any announcements.
- In the Grocery Store
No matter where you are, there will be a potential risk for virus transmission, especially when placed where many people gather. This includes the grocery, though there are ways to prevent spreading or contracting the disease.
Again, stay six feet away from others and to use prevention techniques such as NOT touching your face and sanitizing your hands. Visit the grocery store during times not as many people are shopping and once you get home, remove your clothes and take a full bath to rid yourself of any germs contracted from the store.
- Taking Public Transportation
It is completely fine to take public transportation once the government has taken proper precautions and sanitized all modes of transportation and took measures to practice social distancing between seats.
However, if you have the option to drive yourself, walk to work, or use your bike, please do so, as this reduces the number of people who need to use public transportation.
If you must take public transportation, wear a mask at all times and take a seat at least six feet away from others.
- Avoid Crowded Areas and Other Events
Most states have closed down restaurants, bars, gyms, and have suspended events where many gathers, such as festivals, sports events, masses, and concerts. However, if your state has slowly opened up these establishments and allowed mass gathering, it’s much better to avoid going to such areas.
When you avoid going to public places and mass gatherings, it prevents diseases from spreading. Avoid going to non-essential activities and choose to takeout and eat at home, workout in the yard, focusing to protect you and your loved ones.
- Visiting Family and Friends
Many of you may want to visit family and friends or to hold small gatherings and reunions at home. This is still highly discouraged, especially when meeting seniors or those high at risk of serious complications.
It is much better to postpone gatherings and reunions, whether held at home or in public areas. Instead, look into other methods to communicate, such as video chatting or planning events in the later months rather than the near future.
If you feel a bit sick and experience similar symptoms to the virus, it’s best that you contact a House Call Home Doctor Brisbane. They will check if you have severe illness and prescribe any medications, or recommend that you seek medical attention in the hospital, only if required.
- Wrapping It Up
There are many tips and methods you can follow to prevent contracting COVID-19 or spreading it unto others. But one of the most important things to do is to keep your distance among others and as much as possible, to stay at home.
Make sure that you are aware of the latest data and information on the outbreak, as well as any new (and valid) tips you can follow to stay safe. Take care and continue to practice social distancing with loved ones.