Social/ physical distancing.
This week on corona watch, we will be focusing on social/ physical distancing. Why are the medics insisting on the act and the risk perhaps one is putting themselves or others at by turning a blind side to it?
Primarily, the idea is to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus. In a way, it is prevention of further infection to other people and we all know prevention is better than cure. In this case, there is no cure or vaccine yet. The virus can be spread by an infected individual with them not exhibiting signs of the disease. The University of John Hopkins recommends observing 6 feet or two meters away from the other person. From our previous Covid-19 articles we learnt the virus is transmitted through body fluids and the trajectory of 6 feet is out of reach from the “infected” to the non-infected.
Apart from keeping your distance health workers are also advising on staying indoors and avoiding crowded/ public places if possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends one to wear a mask while in public, which we tackled in the previous article. This has forced many to work from home while more have been laid off by their employers. In an article by the UN, over 37% of the global workforce has been affected by the pandemic.
Quarantine is asking a person who has or may have been in contact with a Covid-19 patient to stay on their own so as to not risk spread it further. This is also taken as an incubation period to see whether the disease’s symptoms may begin to show. The word "quarantine" originates from quarantena, the Venetian (Roman) language form, meaning "forty days. During the medieval period people would be isolated for forty days as measure of a disease that was considered a plague.
While isolation serves the same purpose as quarantine, it’s reserved for those who are already sick. It keeps infected people away from healthy people to prevent the sickness from spreading. In Kenya the government has placed partial lockdowns and a general curfew to ease the spread of the virus. As of this week, talks of going in to locking down estates were underway and this raised worry on what extend of this virus may be. Might the government be hiding the spread of the virus and trying to suppress the fire before it burns out everyone? Only time will tell.
Here are a few tips for social distancing by the CDC
Follow guidance from authorities where you live.
If you need to shop for food or medicine at the grocery store or pharmacy, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
Use mail-order for medications, if possible.
Consider a grocery delivery service.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, including when you have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store.
Avoid large and small gatherings in private places and public spaces, such a friend’s house, parks, restaurants, shops, or any other place. This advice applies to people of any age, including teens and younger adults. Children should not have in-person playdates while school is out.
Work from home when possible.
If possible, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.
If you are a student or parent, talk to your school about options for digital/distance learning.
Stay connected while staying away. 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. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can be difficult.
Above let’s adhere to the measures given out by local authorities and health professionals. Let us also pray more God’s intervention.
By GB