A few weeks ago, no one had ever heard of “social distancing.” Today, it’s like the old dance crazes. Everyone’s doing it.
We can all figure out what it means pretty quickly. Keep your distance, and you’re far less likely to get sick with COVID-19 coronavirus (or anything else for that matter).
Does it REALLY work? Yes… IF you do it right.
But the unfortunate reality is many people aren’t doing social distancing right. Others aren’t doing it at all. Just check out all the young folks on TV, packing the beaches and bars for spring break as if nothing’s going on.
And some of the advice you’ve heard about keeping that distance might be off too. Specifically, the “six-foot rule” people are being advised to follow when going out.
So today, let’s go over the TRUTH about social distancing. What it means. And how to ensure you can help protect yourself so you can through this crisis.
The flaw in social distancing
Let’s get one thing out of the way right from the start. The single best way to not get sick is to not be exposed to the coronavirus.
And the best way to ensure you’re not exposed is to stay in. Period.
If you do not have the virus now, you have a ZERO PERCENT chance of getting sick if you have NO contact with other people. In other words, extreme social distancing.
That means staying in, accepting no visitors, and if you need supplies ordering them to be dropped at your door.
In many parts of the country, Americans are being urged to do just that. They’re being told to stay inside except for grocery shopping, medical care, and picking up pharmaceuticals and such.
When you do have to go out, the official advice is for “social distancing,” which is keeping six feet from everyone else. But the emerging evidence shows this may NOT be enough to ERASE your risk.
How to DISTANCE yourself successfully
Research shows the coronavirus can linger in the air for up to 30 minutes after being exhaled or coughed out. So you could keep six feet away from everyone else, at all times, and still inhale the virus somewhere along the way… or touch a surface it has settled on… despite strict social distancing.
Now keep in mind that risk is low, experts say, especially outside. But it’s still a risk, and something to bear in mind if you’re planning to go out or walking into a store.
Remember, people can have and spread the coronavirus infection without symptoms. Asymptomatic spread means someone who feels fine might be out and about never realizing they’re actually releasing the virus into the air around them.
This isn’t meant to make you panic.
But it IS a reminder of what’s at stake and how easily the coronavirus spreads. And it highlights the importance of practicing strict social distancing by staying in as much as you can until the pandemic is back under control.
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