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| In the absence of any vaccines or treatment, social distancing might be the best tool against COVID-19 pandemic. |
With the current coronavirus pandemic affecting most of the world, social distancing measures are being followed as the best possible way to reduce its effects. But, what exactly is social distancing and how does it help limit the disease, we try to cover these in this article.
Basically, the aim of social distancing is to minimize physical contact between people, reduce the possibility of new coronavirus infections and limit the number of infections to manageable levels.
What should we do in social distancing?
1. Avoid contact with people who are displaying symptoms of coronavirus, such as high fever, continuous cough, difficulty in breathing.
2. Stay atleast 6 feet away from other people in your community. At home, 2 feet distance is appropriate.
3. Avoid going out unless it is absolutely necessary, such as for fetching food or medicines.
4. Avoid large and small gatherings in your home, community or workplace.
5. Cancel events that cause gatherings, such as sporting events, concerts, festivals, cruises, conferences, meetings.
6. Avoid use of public transport unless absolutely necessary.
7. Work from home, if it is possible.
8. Catch up with your loved ones through digital media.
What are the benefits of social distancing?
When you follow social distancing measures, you are limiting chances of getting infected from possible infected people, if you are not infected and are healthy. And, if you have got infected, you are limiting the chances of infecting other people.
Either way, possibility of increasing infected people in community is decreased. When infected people are less, then burden to health care system to manage infected people is less. As a result, adequate treatment can be given to people who are at most need.
But, if health care system gets overwhelmed by infected people, it is unlikely that everyone will get the required treatment. When this happens, lack of adequate treatment may lead to unwanted deaths.
So, at present, in most parts of the world, social distancing measures are being followed. This is what is known as flattening the curve.
How long will social distancing continue?
The answer to this question will vary from country to country, and is based on how affected the country is.
In countries such as Italy, Spain, France, US, UK, where cases and deaths are high, it is best to give continuity to social distancing as long as there is significant improvements in these numbers.
In other countries who are less affected, but cases and deaths are still seen, social distancing should still be continued because even a single case can cause spread of the virus.
So, until there is significant improvement in the number of new cases and number of deaths, it is best if social distancing measures are continued.
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