Social Distancing and other Precautions to Reduce Spread of Coronavirus – Flattening the Curve

Social distancing and other precautions are effective means of reducing the spread of the coronavirus strain, COVID- 19.  Health professionals refer to these practices as “flattening the curve.” Basically, social distancing requires maintaining a distance of at least 1 meter between any two people hence reducing the chances of the virus jumping from one person to the other.

What is social distancing?

The social distancing definition may vary depending on why people are practicing it. However, it means maintaining a safe distance from other people, avoiding mass gatherings, etc.  In reference to the COVID-19, CDC recommends maintaining a distance of about 6 feet or 1.8 meters whenever possible.

Social distancing illustration Video courtesy fo VOANews

In addition to preventing the spread of the disease and safe lives, social distancing will also reduce strain on already stretched healthcare services. However, flattening the curve should not isolate us from each other.  To reduce the spread of coronavirus in a more humane way, we still need to get and share reliable information about the virus, be kind to one another, be empathetic, try and maintain our health in good shape and more.

Precautions to Reduce Spread of Coronavirus

Other than social distancing, there are other practices that will greatly reduce the spread of coronavirus. This includes maintaining good hygiene, seeking medical care when sick, avoiding contact with other people when unwell, washing hands regularly and thoroughly, being careful, self-quarantine, and more.

Governments also have a bigger role in stopping infections. They need to inform the people about the disease, how it is spreading, and the steps they are taking in addition to providing direction to the public.  Also, governments need to ensure there are sufficient medical facilities, and healthcare workers to test and treat the COVID-19 patients as well as those suffering from other diseases.

All governments need to monitor all the entry points, airports, seaports, border points, etc. to ensure that people entering the country are free of the disease. They also need to keep track of everybody who enters the country and if need be, quarantine them for at least 14 days when suspected to have been in contact with sick people. Towards this, the government has been advising people who have traveled to other countries to self-quarantine themselves for at least 14 days and seek medical attention if feeling unwell.