The Importance of Social Distancing During Epidemics

Social distancing is a collection of strategies designed to slow down and, to some extent, halt the spread of infectious diseases. The main goal is to minimize physical interactions between individuals. Research has shown that social distancing measures significantly reduced the transmission rates of various respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19, by limiting close contact among individuals and altering behavioral patterns during outbreaks ^[2].

Following social distancing guidelines is crucial right now because the coronavirus spreads easily from person to person. A study indicated that social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a notable decline in hospital admissions for non-COVID-19 respiratory illnesses, highlighting the effectiveness of these measures in reducing the overall burden of respiratory diseases ^[3].

How Coronavirus Spreads:

• Through direct or close contact with someone who has contracted the virus, as they can be contagious even 24 hours before showing any symptoms.
• Via microdroplets released into the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes; these droplets can remain suspended in the air and infect others nearby ^[4].
• By touching surfaces contaminated with droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze, and then touching your face or mouth.

What Can You Do?

• If you're feeling unwell, it's best to keep your distance from others.
• If you're infected with the coronavirus, staying away from others is essential to prevent further transmission.
• If you're not infected, remember that your immune system could still be vulnerable, so take precautions seriously.

• Practice proper hygiene when sneezing or coughing.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after meals or using the restroom.
• Carry and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers regularly.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing to prevent droplet spread.

While these may seem like simple tasks in normal times, the current situation highlights their importance. Many of these measures should remain part of our routines even after the pandemic, as the habits formed can help mitigate future outbreaks of respiratory diseases ^[1].

Social Distancing at Home:

To keep your home safe from germs:

• Practice excellent sanitizing habits after coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid unnecessary physical contact, like handshakes and kisses.
• Regularly disinfect surfaces such as kitchen and dining tables, sinks, and doorknobs.
• Ensure your air conditioning filters are clean and functioning properly.
• Maintain good ventilation in your home to reduce infection risks ^[4].
• Consider online shopping to limit trips to stores.
• Think twice before traveling for work or leisure.

In case someone in your household is ill:

• Keep them at home unless absolutely necessary.
• The caregiver should take all necessary precautions to stay safe.
• Limit contact between the sick person and others.
• Ensure the sick person's room is well-ventilated while keeping the door closed.
• Both the sick individual and the caregiver should wear masks in shared spaces.
• Prevent vulnerable individuals from coming into contact with the sick person.

Social Distancing in the Workplace:

To protect yourself at work:

• Stay home if you're feeling unwell.
• Limit physical contact, such as handshakes.
• Opt for phone or video calls instead of in-person meetings.
• Avoid gathering large groups in confined spaces.
• Conduct necessary meetings in well-ventilated areas to minimize virus transmission risk ^[1].
• Teach coworkers about proper cough and sneeze etiquette and provide hand sanitizers.

• Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in your office.
• Adjust air conditioning settings or open windows to ensure fresh air circulation.
• Seal your food packages tightly and avoid leaving them exposed.
• Be cautious about business travel.
• Implement strict hygiene regulations for food handling.
• Postpone large informal gatherings for later.

Social Distancing in Schools:

Schools and parents should follow these guidelines to prevent spreading infections among children:

• Do not send children to school if they show any signs of illness.
• Encourage kids to sanitize their hands upon entering and leaving school, and at regular intervals throughout the day.
• Prevent activities that require mixing students from different classes.
• Cancel morning assemblies until conditions improve.

• Implement a regular handwashing schedule.
• Frequently disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
• If possible, hold outdoor classes to reduce indoor transmission risks.
• Ensure classrooms are well-ventilated with fresh air.
• Keep the canteen clean, and enforce strict hygiene practices for staff preparing food.

Social Distancing in Public:

To minimize germ exposure in public spaces:

• Sanitize your hands when entering and leaving your home.
• Use online payments instead of cash whenever possible to minimize contact.
• Avoid crowded areas and public transportation to reduce the risk of exposure.
• Check with your taxi driver to ensure their vehicle has been disinfected and keep windows open during your ride.