The effectiveness of social distancing in containing the diseases

Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the normal routine of humans all over the world. There is no freedom of movement anymore and exercising care and caution at every juncture is the need of the hour.

COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc and there has been a great loss of life around the globe. One needs to follow certain norms in order to stay safe and keep others safe from contracting the disease. Here are some ways to protect you from the corona.

• Washing hands with soap or hand-wash for at least 20 seconds to kill the germs.
• Wearing a mask while going out
• Sanitizing the workspace at regular intervals
• Using hand sanitizer before touching anything to prevent contamination
• Keeping a safe distance from each other in public places likes stores, malls, banks, and offices.
• Covering the nose and face while sneezing or coughing
• Avoiding contact with a suspected infected person.
• On experiencing mild symptoms related to COVID, opt for self home-quarantine for 14 days to safeguard the others around you.
• Avoiding going out in crowded places like malls, parks, social gatherings and places of worship
• Drinking warm water and inhaling steam to arrest the growth and spread of virus.
• Avoiding unnecessary travel, especially out of the station
• After any outing, washing clothes using disinfectant to clean off any suspected traces of germs

HOW SOCIAL DISTANCING ASSISTS IN CONTAINING THE DISEASES

Even after taking the above-mentioned precautions, there are instances of the virus affecting a number of people. They wonder what could have gone wrong if they had practiced precaution. The most important thing during this pandemic is to follow social distancing. At least 6 feet distance is desirable in order to prevent a virus attack.

You are safe inside your own home in the company of your family, as you know for sure that they have not travelled or interacted with unsuspecting strangers, who could have transmitted the virus through contact. Under the current condition, interaction with an immediate neighbor may also pose threat, as that person may have gone out somewhere and unknowingly contracted the disease from some outsider. Thus, by interacting with such a neighbor, you are endangering your life. It is easier for a virus to travel short, close distance and catch on to the nearest target. However, if the people spread out in open while commuting, then there are fewer instances of anyone catching the infection. Many people do not bother to go for a medical checkup even when there are slight symptoms and become a threat to others. Some are asymptomatic carriers, who show no symptoms of the infection and pass as healthy individuals. Nonetheless, even if the symptoms are not visible, the person is carrying the pathogen and may transmit it to others in his contact. Hence, it is better to be safe than sorry and keep off from strangers as far as possible, especially without proper care like wearing mask and using sanitizer.

BRINGING IN AWARENESS

We are well-educated people, who know the consequences of slightest lapse on exercising precaution to safeguard the health. In spite of this, there is a casual or careless attitude exhibited by many. Thus, a constant reminder to follow safety norms is crucial, if we wish to fight the pandemic effectively.

Social distancing signs put up in different places alerts people. These can be at the work place, shops, malls, elevators and other public places where there are chances of people coming in close contact. The signs need to be bold and in striking colors to attract immediate attention. Signs instructing people to maintain a safe distance of 6 feet, road signs / stickers in shops placed at adequate distance for people to stand on and make a queue for purchases. The same is applicable for queues for bill payments or receiving cash in bank.

Social distancing signs urge people to keep safe distance from each other and at the same time announce the number of people permitted at a place at a time, especially in an office, ATM or elevators. The virus finds it easy to travel short distance and infect a person. Nevertheless, beyond a particular distance, considered as “safe distance”, it becomes ineffective.

CONCLUSION

In order to contain the disease and arrest further spread of the pandemic, it is vital that all follow the social distancing norm. Do not make unwanted trips or interact in a crowded place. Exercise precaution by wearing mask at all times when you are out in public places. Remember, health is wealth and we need to take utmost care of it and stay healthy.