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515 - What is Social Distancing

Tiny Leaps, Big Changes
Tiny Leaps, Big Changes
Episode • Mar 17, 2020 • 21m

In this episode, we discuss Social Distancing and why it's important. 

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What is social distancing

Social distancing is a set of nonpharmaceutical infection control actions intended to stop or slow down the spread of a contagious disease.

"Many cities undertook just these measures over 100 years ago to blunt the impact of the 1918 influenza pandemic. Those that acted swiftly and decisively were rewarded with fewer cases and a lower peak of cases, relieving the demand for medical care."

Why social distancing matters

Avoid exposure, avoid spreading. There are not enough tests and we don't have an accurate idea of who has it / who doesn't, The only way to prevent overwhelm is to reduce chance of exposure altogether.

  1. Flatten the curve
  2. Give the system more time to react
  3. Protect yourself and those around you (if you get exposed, everyone you know will likely get exposed).

Basic rules to follow

  1. Stay at home if you can
  2. Wear face masks if you have any of the symptoms (cough, fever, fatigue...etc)
  3. Maintain a minimum 6 foot proximity between you and others around you when possible
  4. Do not attend events or gatherings unless completely necessary

Important notes to consider

1. It's more important than ever now to stay connected with people. Distance does not have to mean isolation.

2. Do not choose to be ignorant here. Yes, there is a lot of hype and nonsense in the media. No, the world probably isn't ending. No you don't need to stock up on 12 years worth of toilet paper. No, your armageddon bunker is probably not necessary. No, this isn't going to turn into the Walking Dead. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be informed and act based on that information. Learn what you need to learn and don't be stupid. This doesn't get solved if we don't take it seriously.

This can very quickly turn into a situation like what Italy is currently facing where the country is shut down, and doctors are being forced to decide who lives and who dies based on chances of survival. Or it can be brought under control by giving our medical experts the time they need to find a more concrete solution. 

We're the ones in control of which outcome we get. Your actions and choices today matter for this just as they do in your personal development.

Resources:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/03/16/coronavirus-social-distancing-myths-realities-column/5053696002/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html