Practicing Social Distancing and Self-Isolation in 2020
By Faiza Zia Khan
Newport Beach, CA
There were many predictions and forecasts associated with 2020 and with the blink of an eye we are in the midst of living through them. March 2020 arrived with a unique and unprecedented predicament. One that was neither anticipated nor expected by anyone.
The unwelcome and unpleasant arrival of coronavirus aka COVID-19 shook the very core of our existence on a global scale. There is nothing that can prepare a country, let alone the entire world governments for a pandemic of this magnitude. As we navigate these unchartered waters with anxiety and uncertainty we keep our spirits high and hope for the best.
The most unexpected emergency regulation came from the Orange County Health Officer under Government Code Section 8634 with a mandated recommendation to close down all professional, social, and community gatherings with the exception of "Essential Services" and practice social distancing to slow down the spread of this risky virus. The order read and I quote, " ... We are taking these mitigation steps in line with a directive issued by Governor Newsom to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We recognize community members may experience anxiety related to the social disruption caused by COVID-19, and want to encourage residents to reach out to loved ones using appropriate methods like telephone, video messaging, email and texts." According to this gubernatorial order which came into effect immediately as it was released and continuing until 11:59 pm on March 31, 2020 for gatherings involving Essential Activities had a strong recommendation of maintaining a six-foot separation of Social Distancing between persons except family members.
In all honesty this is the first time in my recollection I have heard of the term "Social Distancing" used in such a wide context. The more popularly known and user friendly term is "social distance" which hails from a background of anthropological and sociological concepts where different groups in society distance themselves and mix less with others outside of the group than members within the same group.
Anthropologist Edward Hall furthered the concept of social distance by explaining that this phenomenon has been extended by technological advances such as telephone, walkie-talkie, and television. It should be remembered that Hall’s analysis of social distance came long before the development of the internet and social media, the advent of which has expanded social distance exponentially. However, contrary to popular belief the social distancing mentioned in the health directive above has nothing to do with the sociological term I have discussed here. Social distancing is an entirely different beast.
According to the studies of epidemiology, social distancing and self-isolation is an effective method of infection control. It prevents a sharp peak of infections, also known as flattening the epidemic curve, in the field of epidemiology. The benefit is that it keeps healthcare services from being overwhelmed with the treatment of those exposed to the virus or infection going around by accident.
Healthcare officials rely on self-isolation to contain the spreading of infections over a longer time frame to manage the onset of the disease to healthier individuals who are at risk due to unnecessary exposure. At the same time, it allows more time for research and development of a vaccine/treatment to overcome the rampant virus. Social distancing practices usually involve changes in behavior that include self-isolation and can help stop the spread of infections. Although a change in these behavioral patterns sounds very anti-social and introverted in nature, curtailing social contact through work, school, and community gatherings among healthy individuals can significantly help in reducing transmission and exposure to the virus. We are affectionate creatures generally and physical contact, whether in a professional or personal setting, comes naturally to us. Even if it is as benign as a handshake or a hug this simple gesture can become a carrier of the virus.
In times like these avoiding public spaces and unnecessary social contact in public events such as concerts or gatherings with large numbers of people or crowds, tremendously reduce the chances of coming into contact with coronavirus as well as the seasonal flu.
After the directive was issued all corporations resorted to working from home, engaged meetings via video conferencing, emails, or phone calls. Subject matter experts recommend a very practical perspective on social distancing. They state, “... it should be approached sensibly and rationally.” Contrary to the circling rumors and conspiracy theories, this is not a lockdown. Everyone is free to leave their homes to get groceries or visit their physicians as deemed suitable by priority. All this can be managed without feeling restricted in any way. The recommendation of maintaining a distance of six feet between yourself and anyone who is around is not to inhibit individuals from the liberty of movement, but simply to avoid contact that is not needed. Historically, it has been observed during previous outbreaks from the infamous 1918 flu pandemic and the 2014 Ebola outbreak that social distancing played a part in the containment of infections.
On a global level similar steps have been taken. China was the first to implement strict quarantine measures in Hubei province, where the first coronavirus cases were detected. After Italy imposed lockdown on its entire population of 60 million, many other European Union (EU) members have imposed severe travel restrictions and closed large gathering public places such as schools, parks, restaurants and bars. According to the EU website the European Commission is discussing a proposal with plans to close the EU borders and restrict all non-essential travel in the Schengen area of countries. This is because the EU apart from the United Kingdom (UK) after Brexit has no border controls between them. The UK government is advising its citizens to stop all non-essential contact with other people.
We can see the coronavirus has already affected the global economy because people are staying at home and self-isolating themselves. As all stores close, the demand for goods and services apart from the essentials has fallen. But then as we can build ourselves back up again if the human race exists due to our resilient nature. At this point in time, the call is to ensure we practice social distancing to the best of our abilities and keep the environment safe for ourselves and our loved ones. This is the only way this widely spreading virus can be contained effectively and permanently, while a vaccine or a preventative medication is developed.
(Faiza Zia Khan holds a Master’s in Journalism degree from the University of British Columbia, Canada. She has collaborated with news media outlets including Global National and actively volunteers for several community investment projects for the Red Cross, United Way and the Breast Cancer Foundation)
