Social Distancing Guidelines to Fight Coronavirus in India

The impact of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is huge. And amidst all of it, there is a lot of information being rolled out by people, which may or may not be true. But as responsible citizens of the country, we all must make sure to receive, make in practice and further disseminate only authentic information.

In India, the coronavirus has extended its footprint with a total number of positive cases to be 137 as of now. And as the government has imposed travel bans and ramped up efforts to contain the spread of the virus, it is the time we should practice social distancing and stay healthy.

What is social distancing?

Social distancing practices include changes in behavior curtailing social contact. These include canceling events (festivals, gatherings, and sports events), curtailing school, and work among healthy individuals.

All this is carried out with an intention to delay transmission and reduce the size of the outbreak. Cancellations will help in slowing down the spread of the COVID-19 disease while allowing more time for the patients to seek care.

In India, the government has already imposed a set of social distancing measures to be implemented till 31st march. These include the closure of all educational institutions (schools, colleges, and universities), gymnasiums, cultural and social centers, museums, theatres, and swimming pools.

Also, know about Health Insurance Policy Cover for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease

How to practice social distancing?

We can lessen the risk of infection by reducing the frequency of meeting other people in person. We should avoid:

• Going to public places
• Unnecessary social gatherings
• Traveling to affected areas
• Cruises and nonessential travel

This will enable us to lower the chance of getting exposed to the coronavirus. Other examples of social distancing that let you avoid crowded spaces are - 

• Working from home instead of going to the office
• Seeing loved ones via electronic devices instead of meeting them in person
• Shutting down schools and opting for online classes
• Canceling or postponing larger gatherings or conference meetings
• Going to stores for groceries or other essentials during off-peak hours
• Maintaining a six-foot distance between yourself and other people

Is social distancing a solution to contain the novel coronavirus spread?

Yes. Social distance work. It has played a pivotal role in previous outbreaks viz., 2014 Ebola outbreak or 1918 flu pandemic, and also from the outbreak simulations. Given its effect in the past, we can say that social distancing has the potential to effectively limit the infection of the new coronavirus from spreading.

Coronavirus spreads predominantly via the transmission of saliva droplets when the infected person coughs or sneezes. And if a tissue is not used, or if used but not disposed of properly, then the droplets can land on surfaces and other people’s hands, thereby spreading the infection to many.

How the world is implementing social distancing

• China has adopted stringent measures by quarantining the affected region like Hubei province where the first case of the virus was detected first. Also, isolation facilities have been built.
• It has used mobile phone tracking to track people’s movement and prevent people with confirmed infections from traveling to avoid spreading infection.
• Italy has gone to lock down and may other countries have imposed travel restrictions.
• The UK government is advising its citizens to avoid social contact with people if not important.

From protests in India to rock concerts in Europe to prayers in Turkey, everything everywhere is being canceled.

How to follow social distancing from people you live with?

Separating yourself from people you live with is advised. What best you can do is: 

• Avoid sharing a bathroom or toilet
• Disinfect your house properly
• Follow good respiratory hygiene
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and ask others to do the same
• Use a tissue when sneezing or coughing and dispose of it properly
• Seek medical guidance immediately in case you see any symptoms of COVID 19.

The social distancing tips and other facts mentioned above have been shared by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Follow them and contribute to keeping the community safe in the time of Coronavirus.

Remember, working together on these guidelines is the only way out in such times.  This will help us and others remain safe and secure. 

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