It’s not a snow day! As multiple states and jurisdictions across the country enact new restrictions as part of their effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, COVID-19, practicing social distancing is extremely important.
While schools, bars and restaurants have since been closed or restricted, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also recommended that people begin avoiding groups or events of 50 people or more until at least early May. The recommendation from the CDC is meant to encourage "social distancing,” a term applied to certain actions that are taken by Public Health officials to stop or slow down the spread of a highly contagious disease.
Social distancing is important ultimately to save lives. With Covid-19, “many people in the US will at some point, either this year or next, get exposed to this virus,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s immunization czar announced this month. Social distancing, health authorities have shared, can dramatically slow the rate at which the infection is spreading, easing the burden on the health care system.
As Sophia Bush helped break down on Instagram, America is on track to follow the overwhelming outbreak in Italy if we don't do our part.
“Italy had 386 deaths today. TODAY,” she shared yesterday on social media. “In one day. Their healthcare system is completely overwhelmed, there are not enough ventilators, not enough masks for healthcare workers, and we are on track to mirror their numbers if we do not make drastic changes IMMEDIATELY.”
“If you think you don’t know anyone who this could effect, I ask you to think of your neighbors. And if for some reason — that is beyond my ability to reason — that doesn’t work? Well, Hail Mary here, but maybe think of me? My Dad? If we personalize this to you and you’ll consider staying home, so that the folks who absolutely cannot stay home — healthcare workers, food service folks, etc — can have a better shot at avoiding this? Then great,” she added. “Consider it personal. This is the week we either slow this beast down, or it becomes a runaway train.”
It's also important to remain calm. According to the Associated Press, President Trump is calling on people to stop hoarding groceries and other supplies. Trump has since assured Americans, after speaking with leading grocery chain executives, that grocers would remain open and that the supply chain remained healthy.
The CDC recommends the below basic measures to also help prevent the spread of Covid-19:
Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects.
Stay home when you are sick and practice social distancing
Contact a health worker if you have symptoms; fever and a dry cough are most common.
DON’T touch your face.
DON’T travel if you have a fever and cough.