To The Haldimand Press
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the world, it has quickly become evident that the public would have to take drastic measures to slow the transmission.
In addition to practicing generalized sanitation and good hygiene, people in some areas were advised to take additional, more aggressive measures. Quarantines and travel restrictions were implemented, and the term “social distancing” became a buzzword.
Social distancing involves people keeping a physical distance from each other during disease outbreaks in order to slow transmission rates.
Social distancing also is employed to lessen the impact of the disease on the medical care system, which quickly can become overwhelmed with a high number of cases presented in a short period of time.
In best-case scenarios, social distancing also may enable a few people to avoid infection until a vaccine is available.
So how can people socially distance themselves?
Here are some of the recommendations to consider practicing from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other leading health groups:
Opt out of group events
Steer clear of events, whether meetings, sports games, conferences, and other gatherings where large amounts of people congregate together.
Stick to non-contact greetings
Avoid hugs, kisses, and handshakes. Substitute a smile, a wave, or a bumping of elbows, instead.
Practice remote learning
Students who attend large schools, such as high schools, universities, and colleges, can continue their studies via remote learning and virtual classes instead of gathering in classrooms.
Work from home
Many companies are now equipped to allow employees to work from home all the time or a portion of the time. Businesses can encourage employees to stay home and utilize the internet to get their work done.
Make changes in worship practices
Celebrants may have to make modifications to the way they worship. For instance, the Catholic Diocese of Trenton, NJ recently advised all diocesan churches to halt the distribution of the most precious blood (wine) from communal chalices; encouraged clergy and eucharistic ministers to sanitize their hands before distributing the eucharist; and asked parishioners to avoid contact during the sign of peace. Other churches have begun offering their services online. This can be done by filming the service and uploading it to free websites like YouTube, or by live streaming the service on Facebook.
Alter shopping schedules
Try to visit stores in the early morning or late at night when they are less likely to be crowded and avoid repeat trips.
Common sense is key to stall disease transmission, and social distancing can be an important public health measure.
Listen to the most current recommendations from the government and health care system. For local information, visit hnhu.org/covid-19.
