Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As of today, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has exceeded 2,00,000 worldwide. If you look at how COVID-19 spread, you’ll notice that it took three months to reach 10,000 confirmed cases, and only 12 days to reach 1,00,000 from then. The only way to slow down the spread of COVID-19 is by practising social distancing and self-isolation.
What is social distancing?
As you might know by now, the Coronaviruses (CoV) is spread mainly through respiratory droplets i.e coughing and sneezing. When there are thousands of people around you, the only way you can stay away from people who might cough or sneeze and spread the virus is by practising social distancing. This means reducing or limiting social contact, work and school, even among seemingly healthy individuals. This will help to delay transmission and reduce the risk of coming in contact with infected individuals, and contaminated surfaces.
The key is to actively avoid public spaces and unnecessary social gatherings, any event that has a large number of people like weddings, fairs, markets, bus stops, local trains and so on. By doing this, remember that you are reducing the risk of you being exposed to COVID-19 and other viruses. Here are a few FAQs that will help you figure out what you can, and can’t do while practising social distancing.
Will working from home help?
Working from home is a key part of social distancing, you are cutting down the chances of interacting with 100’s of people. You don’t have to use public transport and public spaces like common lifts, hand railings, cafeterias, restrooms and more places that could harbour a lot of germs.
Will keeping kids home from school, summer camps etc. help?
The biggest fear of keeping kids at home from school and other activities is, what will they do all do cooped up at home? Keeping them entertiand and busy through the day while you try to work is no easy task, but it has to be done to slow down transmission. They can be carriers of COVID-19 and in rare cases, be infected by it, and hence it is important to keep them home.
Try and maintain a schedule for them so that you don’t have to worry too much about entertaining them and they have plenty to do at this time.
Can I go outside?
Yes, you can go out. You do need fresh air and sunlight. You can go for a walk, a run, cycle and walk your pets. However, when doing this keep a safe distance from other people (at least 3- 6 feet) and be careful not to touch too many surfaces (lift buttons, hand railings, doorknobs, etc.) carry a sanitizer and clean your hands immediately if you do.
Can I visit my friends or can they come over?
This is not a good idea, remember, you need to be at least 6ft away from people, this is extremely hard to do at home. While you and your friend might not have the COVID-19 virus, there are many infected surfaces and people that you could come in contact with while travelling to and from each house, so it is best to avoid doing this. There are ways to get around this, you could try a ‘Netflix Party’ where you and your friends can watch the same shows and movies at the same time, you can have video conferencing dates like ‘Skype dinner parties’ and so on.
Can I go to visit my parents/grandparents?
As tempting as it might be to check up on your parents and grandparents, try to keep it to a minimum. Most old age homes and retirement facilities have actually stopped visitors from visiting. The elderly are most at risk and hence this is a great initiative. If you feel that you need to go over to help them, do so with caution. If they are living on their own, then take them groceries and essentials but sanitize before you enter their home. Don’t take the kids along as you should limit the number of people the elderly come in contact with. Maintain distance from them when you are there and wipe down any surfaces you come in contact with to be safe.
Can I go to the gym?
Building societies have been advised to temporarily close down their gyms, party halls, pools, etc. This is to help people maintain good social distance. In a place like a gym, there are too many surfaces that people come in contact with (dumbells, handrails on treadmills etc.) and you will not be able to maintain the required distance from people. Get your exercise at home, look at youtube videos or download exercise apps to stay fit without having to leave the house.
Can I go out to shop?
Well, if you need to buy essentials like groceries and medication then yes. All non-essential shopping should be put on hold. Places like malls have already been closed as it is a place where many people gather. You can go to your neighbourhood shops, and when you enter and exit be sure to sanitize. Don’t panic buy and don’t hoard, be sure to buy only how much you require. When and if possible buy online so that you can avoid going out at this time.
If you need more help or information, drop us a comment below or reach out to us on NoBrokerHood.
In case of a COVID-19 emergency, contact-
- National Helpline Number +91-11-23978046 or 1075
- MyGov Corona Helpdesk on Whatsapp – 9013151515
- Karnataka – 104
- Maharashtra – 020-26127394
- Tamil Nadu – 044-29510500
- Delhi NCR 011-22307145
- Telangana – 104
- Andhra Pradesh – 0866-2410978