The current pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has spread across the globe infecting millions of people, with an alarming influx of death rates reported day by day.

The highly contagious strain of the Coronavirus, COVID-19 has a long incubation period of 10-14 days and is spread mainly amidst people who are in close contact with one another for prolonged periods of time. A person can get the virus if an infected person coughs, talks or sneezes and droplets from their mouth and or nose are spread into the air and inhaled through the mouth or nose of a person nearby.  

With the number of patients increasing on a daily basis, with not much of a solution in sight, it is extremely crucial that we all practice social distancing in order to flatten the curve and overcome this crisis situation together.

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So what is Social Distancing?

Social distancing is the much needed practice of purposely reducing close contact with people. This includes avoiding mass gatherings and social settings along with maintaining at least 2 meters of distance from others whenever possible.

Minimizing physical contact and avoiding hugs, kisses and handshakes are also a part of social distancing.

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How can I Social Distance?

Social distance requires minimizing non-essential travels and staying at home as much as possible. Social gatherings and settings such as house parties, parks, shopping malls, clubs and bars should be avoided.  

If possible use delivery services to get your groceries and other essentials. If you must head out ensure that you wear a face mask and maintain at least a 2 meter distance from other people. Be sure to wash and sanitize your hands before and after entering a place.

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Why is it important to Social Distance?

• The effects of the virus differ from person to person, therefore there are many infected people who have little to no symptoms at all. These asymptomatic people play a huge role in the rapid spread ofCOVID-19. There could be many asymptomatic people gathering at social settings, spreading the virus to other people unbeknown.
• By reducing the amount of close contact we have with others, we minimize the risk of spreading the virus amongst our communities.
• Severe cases of the Corona Virus require hospitalization, if we do not flatten the curve with careful precaution and social distancing, there might be an influx of critical patients with a scarcity of hospital beds available.
• With the increase in the number of patients needing in-hospital medical care, if the situation is not brought under control with social distancing, there could be a shortage of doctors and nurses to provide the necessary treatments to infected patients. High surges will mean that our healthcare systems and resources will become overwhelmed.
• Specific people including the elderly and those suffering from pre-existing chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are at more risk of suffering from severe COVID related complications. Therefore it is our responsibility to ensure that we are careful with who we meet and interact with.