Social Distancing 101

This is also specifically why events with 10+ people involved have been canceled. Even before a person experiences the symptoms, the coronavirus can spread from one person to another. It is also important to maintain a distance of about 6 feet from others as much as possible. The disease spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth/nose lands in the mouths/noses of other people. The droplets can also be possibly inhaled into the lungs. There are many recent studies that have indicated that people who are infected with the disease but don’t display symptoms play a pivotal role in the spread of the coronavirus. It is also a serious possibility for one to get the disease by simply touching a surface/object that contains the virus, and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes.

The spread of the coronavirus has been extremely rapid, and while federal, state, and local governments have been taking precautions to protect us all from getting sick, it is imperative that we reciprocate the same actions. While the majority of the people who become infected experience symptoms similar to the ones you get from having a cold or the flu, and compared to adults, children are less affected by the virus, it is our responsibility to protect those at higher risk. The people who are at high risk of complications include people who have chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, as well as older adults.

Despite the fact that it may feel like an inconvenience for us to take steps like social distancing, it is the best way for us to protect our family, friends, and neighbors, all of whom may be vulnerable to this disease. Although this is difficult to do, it helps to stay in touch with family and friends who don’t live with you by calling them or staying connected with them using social media. It also helps to take breaks from listening, watching, or reading news stories, as hearing about this pandemic continuously can be upsetting. Other ways in which it can help to cope with this stress is to take time to just unwind and do activities that you enjoy such as playing sports with family, listening to music, playing instruments, drawing, etc.