How to do social distancing in public places? - Complete guide by 3MEDS

The Covid-19 pandemic has introduced the world to adapt newer and fewer measures, to be followed. Without the discovery of vaccine or drug, survival chances hold on the practices recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). 3MEDS, the best healthcare service provider in India, says that, one of the most advised practise is, social distancing.

What is social distancing?

Social distancing is a non-pharmaceutical prevention proposed to control infection and intervention. It is implemented to avoid or decrease the contact between infected with a disease individuals and those who are not. This will help to stop or slow down the rate and extent of disease transmission in a community. And, eventually leads to cease in spread, morbidity and mortality due to the disease.

How to follow social distancing?

Practise social or physical distancing, by staying at least 6 feet or about 2 arms’ length from each other. It is advisable that people follow this rule both indoor and outdoor spaces. Before deciding to move out, know and understand the guidelines of social distancing laid by the government or the public health authorities. Some of the other tips include,

·         Prepare for travel safety while planning for transportation

·         Limit yourself from running into others

·         Opt for safe social activities like video chat or connected through social media over personal meet

·         Maintain distance at events and gathering

Why social distancing?

In the magazine of ‘Safety and Health’, Jagdish Khubchandani, professor of health sciences, has recommended the mental and physical benefits of social distancing. 3MEDS, the best medicine app in India, agrees to the suggested effects that involves decreasing close contact with others, as per the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in an effort to help stop the spread of the disease.

·         Have a routine so, you can maintain as much as possible, the practice of social distancing, which should not disrupt your sleep-wake cycle, working hours and daily activities.

·         Make social distancing a positive and mandatory practice, by taking time to focus on the one’s own health, training, diet, physical activity levels and health habits.

·         Remember, social distancing may lead to anxiety and depression due to disruption of routines, isolation and fear over a pandemic. Also, help others who are experiencing the same.

·         Get into the hobby of cook for oneself and others in need, as a responsible citizen. Consume a balanced diet that consists of more fruits, vegetables, vitamins and proteins to your diet. Try to have two or three meals a day.

·         Keep oneself active by going for a walk or exercise at home.

·         Maintain a stable mental health and don’t let anxiety. Avoid binge eating or alcohol and drug use, while at home. Sleep at least seven hours a day, but don’t exceed these hours by oversleeping

·         Transform your working into digital mode by attending meetings and engaging with co-workers by maintaining the same frequency required during active office hours.

·         Social distancing will be a good reason to reassess one’s skills and training. One may consider getting an online course, pursuing certification, undergoing training for personality development or learning a new language.

·         Social distancing shouldn’t take on an unhealthy life on social media. One may fall prey or a victim of myths, misinformation, anxiety and fear mongering. Also, they may inadvertently become a perpetrator, creating more trouble for communities.

·         Enrol yourself in spring cleaning, clear clutter and donate household items.

·         Invest yourself in reinvesting in and recreating social bonds, while social distancing. Consider providing help to vulnerable sector of people like poor, sick and stray animals.

·         Get involved in alternative activities like listening to music, singing, dancing, yoga, painting, reading a book, meditation. Some of the other recreation such as taking virtual tours of museums, learning about other cultures, solving puzzles, playing board games or trying new recipes.

Ending note

Social distancing shouldn’t become social isolation so, don’t isolate yourself completely. Although the risk of transmission is marginally Never be afraid, nothing to panic. Keep yourself connected with family and friends by communicating with others, through phone or social media. Be happy, if your family is safe at home with basic amenities. Social distancing is just a process of keeping the society anti- coronavirus, by stopping the transmission of the virus.