Coronavirus is a global crisis and as Angela Merkel said it, since WWII, no other challenges have demanded such a degree of common and united action. Let’s put it in simple terms: we are at war, and unlike the past wars, we are not all actors on the front, but each and every single one of us is playing an important role in executing the strategy to win the war: social distancing.
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What is Social Distancing
Social distancing has been identified as one of the most important driver in flattening the Coronavirus. By taking a distance to others in our environment, we are taking the responsibility of decreasing the likelihood of the virus spread.
In his masterpiece article in the Washington Post, Harris Steven shows how a virus can grow exponentially through a network effect. Quite scary! But at the same time, the journalist shows the efficacy of social distancing when it comes to halting the spread of the virus.
#Flatenning the curve
What the hell does that even mean? All of a sudden we are hearing / reading it no matter if we are in the living room, sleeping room or in the WC, swiping from news to news with angst invading us.
In a paper written by CDC in 2007 entitled “Interim Pre-pandemic Planning Guidance“, the researchers argued that the goals should be to curb down the propagation of any pandemic and that without any mitigations interventions, even a less severe pandemic would likely result in dramatic increases in the number of hospitalizations and deaths.
Hence that’s where social distancing plays a crucial role in combatting the coronavirus. It allows to flatten the peak, and the margin of time it gives us will enable authorities to find the right vaccination and to develop antiviral production.
While we all stay home and participate virtually in sensibilising the community via #staythefuckhome hashtag, let’s remember: our great / grand-parents were called upon to participate in wars and to be in the frontline where bombs were pouring. Our generation is being called to stay on the couch, with our phones on while we send all those animated gifs to our dear ones.
Until next time, stay safe and keep your social distance with this manifesto:
- Don’t panic, but be alert.
- Wash your hands often and practice good cough and sneeze etiquette.
- Try to touch your face as little as possible, including your mouth, nose, and eyes.
- Practice social distancing, no hugs and kisses, no handshakes, no high fives. If you must, use safer alternatives.
- Do not attend concerts, stage plays, sporting events, or any other mass entertainment events.
- Refrain from visiting museums, exhibitions, movie theaters, night clubs, and other entertainment venues.
- Stay away from social gatherings and events, like club meetings, religious services, and private parties.
- Reduce travel to a minimum. Don’t travel long distances if not absolutely necessary.
- Do not use public transportation if not absolutely necessary.
- If you can work from home, work from home. Urge your employer to allow remote work if needed.
- Replace as many social interactions as possible with remote alternatives like phone calls or video chat.
- Do not leave your home unless absolutely necessary.
