Life in the time of coronavirus: Here’s how you can practice social distancing

If you are trying to stay safe from coronavirus, then it is time to practice social distancing. We will tell you what it is about here.
social distancing
The primary source of COVID-19 transmission is human contact. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Team Health Shots Updated: 18 Mar 2020, 19:07 pm IST
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‘Tis the time for social distancing. And if you haven’t been practicing it yet or don’t really know what it is about, then—we must say that you’re living under a rock, and rest assured coronavirus can get you there too.

Social distancing is important because it can help slow down the spread of the covid-19—the global pandemic that is pushing the world into quarantine—giving health care officials more time to care for patients who have already tested positive.

But given the busy lives that we lead, how can we practice social distancing? Well, here are six ways to go about it:

1. Don’t go to crowded places or bursting markets
When you are in a public place, you come in contact with a whole lot of people—many of whom can be carriers of coronavirus, even if they don’t show any symptoms.

So avoiding going crowds—then be it in public transport, in your local market, or your friend’s house party—is a way to reduce the spread of coronavirus, and of course to protect yourself.

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2. Make use of online services for your daily needs
If you’re wondering how you can stock essentials at home if you don’t actually go out to the market, then it’s time to draw your attention to a multitude of apps that can deliver all that you want.

From medicines and daily groceries to fresh fruit and veggies—everything can now be delivered to your doorstep you just need to look online and find an app that best suits your needs.

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Note: If you have come in contact with somebody with flu-like symptoms or are showing them yourself, please ask the delivery person to leave your package at the door to ensure you don’t leave pass any germs to him or her.

3. Ask your employer for work from home facilities
By now many organizations have announced work from home arrangements for their employees. But if your company is not a part of this tribe, then share the many public health advisories with them—including one from the Gurugram District Magistrate that’s got the entire city working from home.

4. Stand at least six feet away from other people
While you distance yourself from your colleagues and friends by not leaving home, it is hard to isolate yourself from perfectly healthy family members. Not to mention, social distancing is different from self-quarantine—and doesn’t mean cutting out hundred percent physical contact from the outside world.

self-quarantine
For the sake of your health, self-quarantine is a great alternate. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

But if you are coming in contact with other people, Harvard Medical Centre suggests keeping a distance of six feet. And limit physical contact.

5. Make virtual dates happen
This is a very stressful time—but that doesn’t mean it has to put a pause on your love life. Sure, you can’t go out to fancy restaurants and hold hands. But you can make the best of technology—like Skype, FaceTime, and other video calling tools. It’s tough—we know, but think of it as love in the time of coronavirus.

6. Lay low if you have flu-like symptoms
Be it the common cold, regular viral, or God forbid—coronavirus symptoms—do yourself and those around you a favour and stay at home. In fact, you should self-quarantine to ensure that you don’t infect anyone else—or worsen your own health.

coronavirus flu
Be sure whether it’s coronavirus or just flu. Image courtesy: Shutterstock.

When it comes to coronavirus—and every other disease for that matter—it’s better safe than sorry. And as tough as social distancing might be, it can help you stay safe. So maintain the distance guys!

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