COVID-19 has been fast spreading and killing. If we will not go for social distancing today, it will become extremely difficult to control the situation tomorrow. The disease has already spread across 199 countries, leaving 0.45 million people infected and 20000 people dead.
What is Social Distancing?
Social distancing is a set of non-pharmaceutical measures aimed at stopping or slowing the spread of infectious diseases. It is very effective tool against the diseases transmitted through airborne transmission, respiratory droplets, direct physical contact (including sexual contact) and indirect contact (like touching the infected objects / surfaces).
What are the measures?
The measures can be taken at three levels - at government level, institution level and individual level - and this may constitute closing down of schools, offices and non-essential business houses / public places (like shopping malls, multiplexes, gyms, night clubs), restricting visit to religious places, cancellation of public / social / religious events, shutting down or limiting public transport, imposing isolation and so on.
How it works?
When social distancing measures are in place, you prevent yourself from coming in immediate contact of infected person and the objects he might have touched, coughed or sneezed on.
Within a few days, infected persons are identified (as the symptoms appear and worsen) and isolated (and put on treatment). The virus in the air and on the surfaces loses its potency.
What you can do?
Act responsibly. You can avoid visiting crowded places (religious places, markets, weddings, etc), avoid handshaking,hugging and kissing as a matter of greeting, avoid organising parties, maintain a reasonable distance (at least one-two meter) while talking to an unknown / a suspected person and work from home if possible.
Disclaimer: Indian Health Bureau does not claim any responsibility for the information contained in this article. The information may not hold good for everyone. The post is for general awareness only and should not be construed as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Please consult your doctor to know what is good for you.
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