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Dos and Don'ts While Social Distancing During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic

Team AckoDec 11, 2023

People all over the globe are relying on Social Distancing to keep a safe distance from the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) disease. Social Distancing (SD) is also known as Physical Distancing and is a preventive measure undertaken to discourage the spread of the virus. It prevents people from coming in contact with each other – especially with those who are infected – and thereby slowing down the growth rate of a contagious disease.

During times of SD, people should refrain from assembling in groups. They should limit their social exposure and stay indoors. The World Health Organization suggests maintaining a 3-feet distance from people who cough or sneeze. People spray tiny droplets while coughing or sneezing and if you are in proximity, then you might inhale those droplets. It can be troublesome if those droplets are from a COVID-19 affected individual. Read ahead to know crucial Do’s and Don’ts while Social Distancing during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

Contents

Do’s During the Coronavirus Period:

Here’s a list of points that you must DO while SD during the ongoing pandemic.

1) Do Take Precautions:

Venture outside your home only when it is necessary. For example, to purchase essentials. Stay at a distance from people while buying groceries, wear a mask, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after leaving your house.

2) Do Exercise:

Lockdown restrictions and SD measures should not stop you from staying fit. You might not be able to visit your gym but you can surely perform basic exercises and Yoga asanas in the comfort of your home. If exercising is not your cup of tea, maybe you can spare fifteen minutes of your day for dancing to your favourite music.

3) Do Maintain Household Hygiene:

Sanitize commonly touched areas of the house frequently. For example, clean your doorbell, the knobs, etc. It is the responsibility of every family member to keep the house hygienic.

4) Do Eat Right and Hydrate:

Eating right will help you to maintain your immunity and stay healthy. Eat food items that strengthen your immune system. Ensure a balanced diet. Keep drinking water regularly and stay hydrated.

5) Do Get Sun Exposure:

Staying indoors means you will not be exposed to sunlight and Vitamin D associated with it. If possible, try to get some sun exposure either by standing in your window or by timing your essentials-shopping trip during the ‘Vitamin D hours’ – 11 Am to 2 PM.

6) Do Stay Occupied:

It is important to stay occupied while SD to keep negative thoughts at bay. This becomes even more important if you are not involved in a job that can be done from home. Revisit an old hobby or try to learn something new online.

You can follow Social Distancing and still be able to meet friends and relatives – you can go virtual. Video calls are a great way of staying social during the Coronavirus period. Use technology to stay in touch with the people that matter to you.

8) Do Sleep Well:

With all the stress associated with the pandemic, your body and mind need rest. Sleep is a natural way of getting that daily rest. Ensure you sleep well for seven to eight hours during these tough times so that you are fresh and active to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.

9) Do Obey the Rules:

Comply with the rules and regulations of your residential area. Some residential societies might have crafted rules for the members, for example – not using the public areas, collecting deliveries from the gate, etc. Obey the rules and cooperate.

10) Do Stay Empathetic:

Be empathetic towards people in your family as well to those who are performing their duty such as Police, Doctors, etc. You can also extend your helping hand by making donations to fight the pandemic.

Also, read: Coronavirus Helpline Number, India

Don’ts During the Coronavirus Period:

Here’s a list of points that you must NOT DO while SD during the ongoing pandemic.

1) Don’t Step Out Unnecessarily:

From the Prime Minister to your upcoming Instagram Influencer, everyone is urging people to #StayHomeStaySafe. Don’t leave your home’s Lakshmanrekha to go for a walk in the market or meet your friend. There’s a possibility that you might catch the virus and spread it to others.

2) Don’t Let Your Hands Wander:

When you do go out to buy groceries or medicines, don’t let your hands loose. Refrain from touching the railings, the desk, the shelves, etc.

3) Don’t Overdo Binge-watching:

There’s a certain thrill associated with gobbling streaming content on your mobile, tablet, laptop, desktop or television. People proudly share their movie and series marathons on social media where they binge-watch videos, shows, and movies continuously.

Staying indoors might encourage you to extend your binge-watching sessions but don’t overdo it as it can harm your health. Limit your daily screen time.

4) Don’t Have Late Dinners:

Social Distancing, Lockdown, and staying indoors can disrupt the eating cycle. Dining late and then sleeping immediately without allowing the digestive system to actively perform its job can cause health issues. Consider having a gap of a few hours between eating dinner and sleeping.

5) Don’t Resort to Panic Buying:

There’s no point in defying Social Distancing norms and gathering in large numbers at grocery stores and medical shops to stock up essentials. Authorities have assured that there will be an adequate supply of essentials so act accordingly.

6) Don’t Believe in Rumours and Myths:

Rely on authentic sources for news related to the virus. Check the source of the news if you come across something alarming. Do not blindly believe WhatsApp forwards. Half knowledge can be dangerous, avoid believing in myths and depend on information substantiated by medical professionals.

7) Don’t Turn to Alcohol and Smoking:

These can be depressing times but do not turn to drinking, smoking, and drugs to seek solace. These vices can turn venomous leading to a health crisis.

8) Don’t Drown in Dystopia:

Don’t surround yourself with negativity. Avoid watching the news if it gets bothersome. Don’t watch too much dystopian or dark content during the Coronavirus period if it disturbs you. It can add to the prevailing gloomy setting and cause mental issues.

9) Don’t Isolate Your Mind:

Mental health can take a beating during the pandemic. If you need any help regarding mental issues, feel free to contact this Government helpline – 08046110007.

10) Don’t Feel Hopeless:

Don’t lose hope. Humanity will conquer the new Coronavirus and welcome a new dawn. Stay positive, surround yourself with good thoughts, and take care of yourself and your family.

Also, read: Ways To Remain Healthy During Social Distancing

Frequently Asked Questions:

This section deals with commonly asked questions regarding Social Distancing and the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Note that new information is being shared regularly globally regarding the virus. Visit the World Health Organization’s official website to stay updated about information regarding the virus.

What is the difference between Social Distancing, Quarantine and Lockdown?

SD means ensuring that you maintain a safe distance from people when you meet them. Quarantine usually refers to isolating and restricting the movement of people who are infected or exposed to a disease. Lockdown is a situation where the authorities have enforced severe restrictions on people of a city, state, or a nation.

What is the meaning of ‘flattening the curve’ and how SD can help in achieving the same?

Flattening the curve concerning the COVID-19 virus means reducing the daily number of cases so that the existing health care system can handle the burden. If too many people fall sick at the same time, it will take a toll on the healthcare system leading to a collapse. Social Distancing helps to flatten the curve by ensuring that the virus does not spread exponentially.

Should I follow SD measures even if I am healthy?

Everyone should follow SD norms to stop the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) from spreading. If you are healthy and don’t follow SD norms, you are at the risk of being affected by the virus.

What is the best way to follow SD?

The best way to follow SD measures is to avoid stepping out of your home and if you must, then maintain a distance of about six feet from another person.

Is it necessary to wash hands every time after I return home from outside?

Yes, it is a good habit to wash your hands thoroughly with soap every time you return home from the outside. After coming home, head straight to the wash basin and wash your hands without touching anything else in the house.

When should people stop following Social Distancing and get back to leading normal lives?

Just as the World Health Organization came forward and declared that COVID-19 has become a pandemic, there might be some official confirmation regarding relaxing Social Distancing norms in the future. In India, the government will let the people know as and when the situation gets better.There can be a situation where Social Distancing measures might be stringent in some cities and localities even if they are a bit relaxed in some states of the country. Rely on authorized sources for news and updates related to COVID-19.

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References:

Social Distancing Advisory by MOHFW, World Health Organization, https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/SocialDistancingAdvisorybyMOHFW.pdf
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public, World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

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