Social Distancing: Why It Is Important
Vivian Nguyen & Sarah Lee
April 07 2020
April 07 2020
With the total number of COVID-19 cases surpassing one million worldwide as of early April, “social distancing” remains a crucial duty that we must uphold. As defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing entails minimizing risk of exposure by staying approximately 6 feet away from others and avoiding mass meetings or congregated settings, which include but are not limited to schools, gyms, and shopping centers. It is essential to physically distance ourselves from one another even if we do not feel sick as emerging research indicates that many infected people can be asymptomatic. In other words, we can carry the coronavirus without showing any symptoms and still be infecting others. Plus, while the virus may not affect a particular person severely, it can threaten the health of those around them, especially at-risk populations like the elderly and immunocompromised.
Avoiding close contact with others is a protective factor not only for individuals, but also for the potential spread to their larger community. This relates to yet another key phrase circulating in the media: “flattening the curve”. The “curve” signifies the number of new cases over time. Without protective measures like social distancing to slow the spread, the number of new cases will overwhelm healthcare resources, such as medical workers, ventilators, and intensive care unit hospital beds available to treat those who get sick. Visually, if the curve can be flattened into more of a gradual slope rather than a sharp peak, then instead of new cases exponentially occurring all at once, the spread of the virus can be slowed so that the healthcare system can better accommodate those that eventually get sick. Practicing social distancing is an important responsibility for all to potentially flatten this curve, while we await an improved understanding of treatments and vaccines in response to COVID-19.
Avoiding close contact with others is a protective factor not only for individuals, but also for the potential spread to their larger community. This relates to yet another key phrase circulating in the media: “flattening the curve”. The “curve” signifies the number of new cases over time. Without protective measures like social distancing to slow the spread, the number of new cases will overwhelm healthcare resources, such as medical workers, ventilators, and intensive care unit hospital beds available to treat those who get sick. Visually, if the curve can be flattened into more of a gradual slope rather than a sharp peak, then instead of new cases exponentially occurring all at once, the spread of the virus can be slowed so that the healthcare system can better accommodate those that eventually get sick. Practicing social distancing is an important responsibility for all to potentially flatten this curve, while we await an improved understanding of treatments and vaccines in response to COVID-19.
Recent data has shown that social distancing is indeed effective in flattening the curve. The epicenter of COVID-19, Wuhan, China, recently lifted its nearly 10-week long lockdown as number of cases reportedly decreased.
Image Source: CDC
It should be noted that social distancing does not necessarily mean quarantine or isolation, so individuals can still enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and gardening, as long as they maintain a six feet distance from non-family members. However, the U.S. government’s distancing requirements have been changing with the increasing severity of the spread. California was one of the first states to enforce a statewide “stay-at-home” order, which has since prohibited all non-essential activities that require residents to leave their homes. Now public health officials are encouraging people to stay at home as much as they can during the next few critical weeks.
During this unprecedented time, it is important that we also remember to take care of our mental health, in the same way that we socially distance ourselves to protect our physical health. If asked to stay home, listen to authorities and keep in contact with family and friends virtually through video chat and phone calls instead. Periodically take your mind off of COVID-19 by engaging in old hobbies or trying new activities. In the meantime, continue to practice other preventative measures, such as washing your hands properly, covering your cough and sneeze, cleaning high-touch surfaces, and self-monitoring symptoms. The uncertainty of the pandemic is undoubtedly making many people anxious, but it is essential to maintain overall wellness and immunity by exercising, eating healthy, and coping with the stress. For more information, refer to the CDC or WHO.
During this unprecedented time, it is important that we also remember to take care of our mental health, in the same way that we socially distance ourselves to protect our physical health. If asked to stay home, listen to authorities and keep in contact with family and friends virtually through video chat and phone calls instead. Periodically take your mind off of COVID-19 by engaging in old hobbies or trying new activities. In the meantime, continue to practice other preventative measures, such as washing your hands properly, covering your cough and sneeze, cleaning high-touch surfaces, and self-monitoring symptoms. The uncertainty of the pandemic is undoubtedly making many people anxious, but it is essential to maintain overall wellness and immunity by exercising, eating healthy, and coping with the stress. For more information, refer to the CDC or WHO.
Featured Image Source: congerdesign
