Many new COVID-19 buzzwords have come to light in the last couple of weeks. Social distancing is one of the more common buzzwords to now enter our daily vocabulary.
What does it mean to practice social distancing? And why is it important for healthy people to practice social distancing too? Learn everything you need to know here.
What it means to practice social distancing
Social distancing is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others.
COVID-19 is mainly spread through person-to-person contact. This means in close quarters, a non-infected person can inhale respiratory droplets from an infected person, especially whenever they cough or sneeze.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing means remaining out of group settings and avoiding mass gatherings. When near other people, maintaining a distance of at least six feet from them when possible is critical as well.
The importance of social distancing
The goal of social distancing is to keep healthy people and those who are sick from coming into close contact with one another. This slows the person-to-person transmission of the virus, as well as the spread of COVID-19 in general. When everyone is not sick all at once, hospitals aren’t overwhelmed and can better manage the resources needed to care for infected individuals.
Social distancing has completely taken over our communities recently. Examples of social distancing include:
- Offices asking employees to work remotely from home and have meetings virtually
- Schools/colleges closing and switching to online classes
- Places of worship/churches pausing in-person services and events
- Large events like concerts or parades being cancelled or postponed until further notice
It is now everyone’s responsibility, both those who are healthy and those who are sick, to practice social distancing. Try your best to stay home and avoid all nonessential travel.
Social distancing tips
Practicing social distancing means you’re doing your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, staying at home can start to get lonely after a while.
Check out these tips to keep busy and stay connected with others.
- Check things off your to-do list. This could include cleaning around the house, writing thank-you cards, organizing personal paperwork or getting to those around-the-house projects.
- Stay active while at home. There are so many ways to work out at home thanks to the internet. Find a fitness class online and follow along. You can head outside for a walk or a hike too, as long as you can maintain a safe social distance from others.
- Keep a routine. Keep a routine at home that is similar to your normal schedule. Start your day by washing your face or showering, getting dressed and eating breakfast. If you are working from home, be sure to work from a designated space in the house that is not your bed. Taking scheduled breaks throughout your day and finding a regular stopping point at the end of each day are important too. All of this will help things feel more stable.
- Make time for self-improvement and care. Read up on something you’re interested in. Learn something new, like a language or a skill. Take time to meditate or practice mindfulness each day. All of this will help keep your mind feeling refreshed and sharp.
- Keep in touch with other people who may be feeling disconnected too. Call a grandparent or relative you haven’t talked to in a while. Use video calls to feel more present when reaching out to friends or your family.
Stay updated on what Mercy Health is doing related to COVID-19.
Call our 24/7 COVID-19 Hotline at (888) 700-9011 for questions and guidance.
