Stop Social Distancing!

We have been told to cover our mouths and nose, wash our hands more often and social distance. The hygiene part is extremely important, but why social distance? This should have been called physical distancing.

Four weeks on and I am starting to acknowledge the impact of social distancing and isolation on our well-being. Young to old, my daughter speaks about a monster running out in the street and that is why she can’t go to school to see her friends or to nanna’s house for a sleep over. My parents must rely on video calling to speak to us and see their grandchildren.

Knowing the difference between Social and Physical distancing will help us go through these unprecedented times in a saner way.

We don’t want social isolation, wildly using ‘Social Distancing’ may be sending the wrong message. Keep 2 meters away from people, don’t gather in groups and teleworking where possible, however don’t socially lock yourself in a box.

Keep your distance but stay close, at work, with family and with friends. We’re fortunate to be in age where technology helps us connect instantly. Having colleagues across the world I can say that video calling has been part of my day to day for many years. But speaking to my brothers, parents and other relatives via video was pretty much unheard of.

During times like this, we appreciate more the importance of staying connected virtually with the people in our lives. Believe it or not, we will soon be out of these uncertain times and I have strong feeling that thanks to the additional efforts we are doing to keep in touch, relationships would have flourished and connections with colleagues would have strengthened.

“We're changing to say physical distance and that's on purpose because we want people to still remain connected,” Dr Maria Kerkhove, a WHO epidemiologist

So this is how we practice physical distancing the right way … in summary because you have heard it and read it way too many times for sure.

·      Limit your time in public

·      Keep your distance… physical distance

·      Wash your hands

·      Use hand sanitizer

·      Cover your mouth

And this is how you should remain socially connected.

·      Video chats, if teleworking, do not limit yourself to work related topics, organize half hour chitchat sessions.

·      Call those people who you don’t normally call.

·      Chat more – the amount of new WhatsApp groups I had created in the past 4 weeks are crazy, but you can feel connected.

·      Exercise with friends via video sessions.

Ultimately, no matter what we call it, taking preventative measures and keeping our distance to help slow the spread of COVID-19 will help us protect ourselves, our loved ones and everyone in our community.

#Connected #SocialDistancing #PhysicalDistancing #StayConnected