Social Distancing: What is it and Why?

At the present time there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, so the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to it. The term social distancing has become a new term in our daily vernacular, but what is exactly does it mean and why is it important?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines social distancing as: remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.1

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious, while others do not spread so easily. Another factor that effects a spread is whether the spread is ‘sustained’, or in other words, spreading continually without stopping. In some affected geographic areas, the virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in certain communities.4

Since COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to person via respiratory droplets, the importance of keeping the 6-foot distance is imperative. Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs,3 as well as be dispersed into the area of the infected individual. This is why social distancing and being sure to maintain distance while with others is so incredibly important at this time. Doing so could not only prevent you from getting sick, but also save lives.

In addition to the precautions above the CDC recommends the following steps below to help prevent the spread of germs and respiratory disease like COVID-19:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Stay home when you are sick except to get medical care
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds2

Physicians Regional – Pine Ridge
6101 Pine Ridge Road
Naples, FL 34119
239-348-4000

Physicians Regional – Collier Blvd
8300 Collier Boulevard
Naples, FL 34114
239-354-6000

Resources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/risk-assessment.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/stop-the-
spread-of-germs.pdf
3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
4. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html