Do and Don’ts of Social Distancing

The term “social distancing” can leave many confused. Especially with all of the media attention that COVID-19 is getting, some correct and some incorrect, it’s hard to be able to tell what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to social distancing. Well, here are some helpful tips detailing the Do’s and Dont’s of social distancing.

1. Don’t go to large parties/gatherings:

The picture below is of what not to do. Do not go to large parties, gatherings, festivals, or places where there will be a large crowd of people while practicing social distancing. You’re technically supposed to keep six feet away from others while in public spaces at all times, some experts even recommend distancing yourself from members of your household as well. Not going to parties or gathering in large groups decreases the spread and “flattens the curve” of the disease, making life a lot easier for the essential medical personnel who are treating COVID-19 cases.

2. Be sure to keep the six feet limit from others:

As stated above one of the most important things, that the CDC is recommending is to keep at least six feet away from others. This means when your standing in a line at the grocery store or gas station, try to still keep that six feet distance. If your walking on a busy sidewalk, try to do the same. it’s all to “flatten the curve” and lower the spread.

3. Be courteous to people who are in at-risk categories:

As much as you love your grandma, now may not be the best time to go visit her. Along with people with heart disease and asthma, the elderly are an at-risk group. Although you feel fine you could still be a carrier. This doesn’t mean cut off ties with members of your family or close friend group. Call up your grandparents and out of town friends. I’m sure they’d be happy to hear from you. Also, in general, think about others when you are going to the grocery store to “stock up” you probably don’t need six packages of toilet paper and 12 hand sanitizers.

4. Don’t assume someone is not a carrier if they have no symptoms:

This disease oddly shows no symptoms in certain people while being extremely painful to others. You can also be a carrier of this disease for two weeks before you even start showing any symptoms no matter how severe. This mindset is also one of the best ways to help and protect those with other severe health issues and at-risk groups (people who are more susceptible to the painful end of this disease). Again, just be mindful.

5. Do wash your hands and disinfect surfaces:

Another way to slow the spread of this disease is to wash and sanitize your hands often. Also even though your hands are clean, try to keep then away from your mouth, eyes, and nose. These are just some more of the most recommended tips on how to stop the spread of the virus from the CDC. Along with washing and disinfecting your hands, you should also disinfect commonly touched surfaces; particularly countertops, kitchen appliances, and the bathroom. It also would be a good idea to spray dome Lysol in the air, if you have it. Not only will all of these tips keep your home smelling nice and looking clean, but it can also lower the spread of disease.

6. If a service is not essential, don’t go:

Try not to go out to eat at restaurants, avoid getting your nails done, or making any hair appointments. A lot of restaurants are now doing delivery and there are ways you can do your nails and style your hair at home. You can go back to your favorite restaurant, bar, or cafe when they reopen for indoor seating. think of how amazing it will taste after such time apart!

7. Keep a routine and stay active if in quarantine:

If you are in full quartine, or if you don’t have access to a gym, then it is important to try and stay active while indoors for long periods of time. Pull up a yoga or exercise video on youtube or even just practice some meditation and stretches. If you had a super-specific routine before you began your quarantine or social distancing, then try to stick to that schedule as much as possible. Even though you may now be working from home and not seeing friends face to face, keeping a routine can help you get through this weird and difficult time.

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8. Don’t be afraid to go outside:

I feel like a lot of people are on two ends of a spectrum. They’re either “I’m going to keep doing everything” or “I’m not leaving my house until this is over”. There is a middle ground. If you need serious medical attention, of course, go out and get it. People of course still need to get to their doctors or pharmacies if something is wrong and they need medication. If your job is still having you work in the office then you’ll obviously need to leave the house and go to work. Dogs still need to be walked and you still need to go buy groceries. As weird as all of this is, parts of life still need to go on. Just be safe, avoid large crowds, and keep the recommended six feet away.

9. Do work from home if possible:

If your job is allowing you to work from home, take the opportunity to do so. I know it can be a complete shock to your everyday life and routine, but again, this is all about slowing the spread. The fewer people out at any given time to spread the disease, the better. If you are going to be working from home, be sure to keep your area clean and disinfected.

10. Don’t travel, if possible:

Avoid traveling if possible. Traveling on airplanes, and even in cars, is how this disease spread so rapidly. Try to not travel unless absolutely necessary. If you have to travel, then be as careful as possible. Sanitize, wash, and lotion your hands frequently. Wear gloves if you have them and avoid touching your face.