One of the recommendations of the CDC to help reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is to limit face-to-face contact with others. Hence the term social distancing. This is a new term that most of us have never heard before a few months ago and so not many people understand it enough to practice it properly.
What is social distancing?
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home.
To practice social or physical distancing:
● Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
● Do not gather in groups
● Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
We’ve been told to follow the 6-foot rule and wear a mask in public, but these measures won’t matter if you’re making other simple mistakes. Many of these mistakes arise as a result of people not fully understanding the importance of social distancing or even how to practice it properly.
Keep reading to find out what mistakes you may be making and how best to continue to stay safe.
Avoid playdates
Being at home with kids at this time can be tricky. Kids can start to get irritable from being stuck at home. Some parents let their children go out and play with others because they think that kids are not at risk. In reality, children have the same risk of getting infected. However, they are much more often asymptomatic. They can still spread the infection, which puts everyone else they come in contact with at risk, and this can be dangerous if they live with their grandparents or anyone else who is high risk. Finding ways your children can interact with friends virtually is a much safer option.
No one is immune
Thinking you’re immune to the virus is a very bad idea. Unfortunately, anyone can contract coronavirus because there is no vaccine. In the beginning of this pandemic, it was thought that only elderly people were susceptible. Some other people seemed to suggest that certain races were also very low risk. This has led some young people to think that social distancing is just for the elderly, and they can’t have severe symptoms. In reality, around 40% of the patients that required hospitalization were between 20 and 54 years old, according to the CDC. And as we have seen from the rising numbers published by the NCDC that black people/Nigerians are not immune to this virus.
Avoid communal areas
Social distancing includes avoiding areas in which others have recently touched or been. People should avoid playgrounds even if no one else is there, because the virus may live on inanimate objects for days. It’s important to know that the virus can stay alive on surfaces for up to five days after contamination. This may not always be possible to implement for people who have no choice but to share spaces, and in such cases it is best to wipe down surfaces regularly with a disinfecting agent.
Maintain even more distance even when exercising
Exercise is a great way to spend time right now and stay healthy; however, it needs to be done safely. If you must exercise outside, be sure to do it with sufficient space around you and as few people as possible. People should not walk or exercise behind other people. The virus is spread mainly by respiratory droplets and when exercising outdoors, the wind may carry the virus backward, and you can become exposed that way, despite being more than 10 feet behind someone else.”
Wear and take off your mask safely
It is recommended by the CDC to cover your face with a mask in public. The first thing to bear in mind is that the mask does not automatically confer immunity and should not stop you from maintaining your distance and minimizing social interactions/meetings. Wearing a mask can offer protection, but only when worn AND taken off correctly. To take your mask off correctly; Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before touching the mask. Avoid touching the front of the mask. The front of the mask is contaminated. Only touch the ear loops/ties/band.
Face Mask with Ear loops: Hold both of the ear loops and gently lift and remove the mask.
Face Mask with Ties: Untie the bottom bow first then untie the top bow and pull the mask away from you as the ties are loosened.
Face Mask with Bands: Lift the bottom strap over your head first then pull the top strap over your head.
Throw the mask in the trash. Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
If you’re using a cloth mask, make sure you wash it after each use
Your eyes need protection too
Your eyes are just as susceptible to the virus as your mouth and also needs to be protected. Wear some glasses to remind yourself to not rub your eyes.
Take off your gloves
Just like masks, gloves do not confer immunity and can cause more harm than good if not used properly. Gloves are just as likely as hands to carry the coronavirus. And when your gloves have touched store shelves, door handles, and your car, then your face or your food, you just potentially contaminated yourself with your gloves. After being in public, the best practice is to discard used gloves prior to returning to your vehicle or home. As much as possible, it is better to practice regular hand washing than to wear gloves.
Stop Inviting People into Your Home
Allowing people into your home is like hosting a party with every person they’ve come into contact with. This includes domestic staff, laborers, and anyone else who does not live in your household. You may consider making arrangements for your domestic staff to live-in during this period. Also avoid contacting laborers or other staff to come into your house. A gathering doesn’t have to be outside for it to count. Having even a small group of friends over is not safe and should be avoided as well.
We are currently living through a very unprecedented time and it can feel really strange and lonely having to avoid so many people. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from your friends and loved ones can be difficult.
It is very important to stay in touch with friends and family that don’t live in your home. Call, video chat, or stay connected using social media.
We all have a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities.
