Social Isolation and Social Distancing

It is not an easy task to do. Many of us are hearing these terms for the first time for social distancing and social isolation. It could be terrifying for many as there are no clear guidelines. However, I want to share my experience with social distancing that I performed as was called by my society upon death of my father and my younger brother.

Usually Hindus observe thirteen days mourning after any death. Immediate family completely participate in total social isolation. The degree of isolation is defined by the relationship one has with the deceased. Wife, parents, own children (specially sons) observe for 13 days. This practice has many names in local language and all translates as 13 days such as, terah din-???? ??? (in Nepali), terahvi-?????? (in Hindi).

It might have many religious reasons but, here, I will talk about social reasons. As I stated, I observed 13 days social distancing twice in my life. I have not seen any authentic written guidelines but it has been passed down for generations. The practice might vary from family to family and community to community.

There could be multiple reasons for it such as bereavement (psychology), faith (religion: ‘atma’ (soul) travels for a year to immerse into ‘parmatma’) and biological/public health reason. I’d like to focus on public health to draw a parallel.

Years ago many deaths took place for unknown reasons or went undiagnosed. More infectious diseases were in prevalent and there were no vaccinations. Many died of viruses or bacteria. Keeping that into consideration, the immediate family members of deceased went on social isolation. Immediate family members- sons, and spouse go on complete isolation. Each of them are assigned a small isolated area. This area is marked. No one crosses those boundaries. They do not touch anyone, cook by themselves, wear brand new piece of cloths, wash own dishes and wash own clothes. They take shower at least once a day. They shave their heads.

After 10 days if no more symptoms/deaths in the family on 11th or 12th or 13th day the family members would cook food for relatives and friends and pray for passage of soul and feed in the name of deceased.

Variation of this social isolation is observed by some communities up to a year. As I said, have done 13 days social isolation twice in my life. Though it was tough, but the entire social network in that environment around you supports you and get through it. So once again, we are here to observe 14 days social isolation without cheating.

(I am not sure if no salt diet is scientific. There is no intention to prove any practice better than other)