Coronavirus: What is social distancing and How do you do it?

Team Udayavani, Mar 20, 2020, 2:32 PM IST

As the number of Coronavirus cases are rising all over the world, phrases like social distancing, self-monitoring and self-quarantining are doing the rounds

But what does that mean and how does it apply to you and your family?

Here’s what you need to know

What is Social distancing

Social distancing is maintaining physical distance between yourself and others at least 6 feet and staying home when you can. This also means minimising contact with people, avoiding public transportation, limit non-essential travel, work from home and skip social gatherings.

Diff b/w social distancing, self-monitoring and self-quarantining?

Self-monitoring includes regularly checking your temperature and watching for signs of a respiratory illness, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. It also involves limiting interaction with others.

Self-quarantine is a step up from self-monitoring because the person at risk of infection even though the person still doesn’t have symptoms had a higher chance of exposure.

Quarantining means staying home and away from other people for that 14-day period. People in this circumstance who don’t live alone should do their best to retreat to their room or find a separate area in their home, and they shouldn’t go out shopping, eating or socializing.

Does it help?

There are evidences from previous outbreaks, including the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic and the 2014 Ebola outbreak, as well as from outbreak simulations, that social distancing and other measures can effectively limit the spread of infections. Although, the exact spread of the coronavirus is uncertain, but similar viruses are predominantly transmitted by droplets emitted from the mouths and noses of infected people when they cough or sneeze, which can land on surfaces and people’s hands.

Does this mean I can’t leave the house?

No! It is fine to go out to get some fresh air and exercise. The entire point of social distancing or quarantine is not to stay indoors but to avoid close contact with people.

Can I have people over?

It depends on how healthy they are. Also, if it is just a small and careful interactions then it is fine. But make sure that all of them use hand sanitizers and wash their hands frequently, also avoid sitting close to one another.

What should I do if am sick?

• Stay Home and Call the nearest hospital
• Answer all the questions asked by health professionals to determine the risk.
• Practice hand hygiene and follow respiratory etiquette. Wear a mask and cover your mouth while sneezing and coughing
• Follow all the instructions of the health care professionals.
• Lastly, stay calm. Health professionals are working together with national and international agencies to identify and provide care to patients while avoiding spread of the illness in the community.