Who would have thought 2020 would begin with concerns of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the demand to be quarantined? The United States was taken by storm by how rapidly the COVID-19 spread. As America continues to battle the pandemic, scores of heath officials have insisted that social distancing should be a daily practice until the virus is tamed. Because we are accustomed to being social and not distancing, it’s worth reviewing the best ways to practice social distancing, our new norm.
Why Keep Your Distance?
According to an article published by Johns Hopkins University, “Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness.” By staying at least six feet away from other people, you lessen your chances of catching COVID-19.
How to Practice Social Distancing
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- Work from home instead of at your work whenever possible;
- Contact your loved ones and friends by electronic devices;
- Postpone or cancel meetings and conferences;
- If you are in school, switch to online classes.
What the CDC Says
A person who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to others, according to the CDC. Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, going to the bathroom and before eating or preparing food also are proper precautionary measures.
A person who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to others, according to the CDC.
3 Fast Facts
- COVID-19 is novel (new). What does this mean? There is no vaccine for COVID-19;
- The coronavirus is thought to be 10 times deadlier than influenza (roughly 0.1% who get the flu die);
- Hospital stays for the coronavirus are twice as long, when compared with the flu.
What the Doctor Says
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said two weeks ago during a hearing before the House Oversight and Reform Committee, “The flu has a mortality rate of 0.1%. This has a mortality rate of 10 times that. That’s the reason I want to emphasize we have to stay ahead of the game in preventing this.”
A Time for Distance
Do you need reading material while social distancing? If so, The Next Decade: 5 Ways to Make 2020 Pop may offer hope during this challenging time. How has social distancing changed your daily routine? Do you practice social distancing in a way that is not listed above? Comment in the section below. And, don’t forget to observe the six feet rule!
Web Links:
– https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml
– https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/share-facts.html
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