A Guide To Social Distancing

Human-to-human contact is the most common way that a person with COVID-19 can infect other people. To limit exposure and stop the spread of the virus, health officials are urging people to practice social distancing.

What is social distancing?

Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying at least six feet away from other people and to avoid touching others.

Canceling events that are likely to draw crowds is an example of social distancing. Other examples include:

• Working from home instead of at the office
• Closing schools or switching to online classes
• Visiting loved ones by electronic devices instead of in-person
• Canceling or postponing conferences and large meetings
• Avoiding playdates and parties
• Sitting far from other people on public transit

 

Why is it important?

COVID-19 needs human hosts to multiply and spread, and some people infected with the virus may not show any symptoms. What matters most is not just whether you get sick but also whether you pass the virus to other people. Right now, on average, every infected person passes the virus to two to three other people, who in turn infects two to three others. After only four to six weeks of this pattern, the original person could infect approximately 20,000 people.

A large number of people becoming very sick over the course of a few days could overwhelm our healthcare system. Too many people becoming severely ill with the virus at roughly the same time could result in a shortage of hospital beds, equipment and doctors.

Social distancing can help slow the rate of those infected. A slower infection rate means a less stressed healthcare system, fewer hospital visits on any given day and fewer sick people being turned away.

 

How to make social distancing work?

While it may be disappointing to hear that so many events and other gatherings are being canceled, here are a few ideas to help fill your time while connecting with others digitally.

• Try out Netflix Party – a new way to watch Netflix with your friends online. Netflix Party synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to your favorite Netflix shows. For more information, check out netflixparty.com
• FaceTime workouts – join your workout buddy on FaceTime and do at-home exercises together
• Start a virtual book club – pick a book to read together and then Skype or FaceTime daily to discuss what you’ve read
• Take a free online class with friends or family – it is a great way to stay busy and learn something new together
• Play an online game – although many online video games are available, there are also several online board and card games that can be played with friends

How can you still take care of your health while social distancing?

While practicing social distancing, it is still possible to take care of your health. Our telehealth services, or virtual appointments, will allow us to serve you from the comfort and safety of your home.

Telehealth is not appropriate for every medical concern, so it’s important to ask your provider whether a virtual visit is suitable for your needs. To see how it works, visit reverehealth.com/telehealth/.

Telehealth is not appropriate for every medical concern, so it’s important to ask your provider whether a virtual visit is suitable for your needs.