Coronavirus Quar-routine: What is Social Distancing & Self-Isolation

A new coronavirus was discovered in December 2019; the virus has now been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. More commonly known as COVID-19, this novel coronavirus is a respiratory disease that has held the entire world hostage. As individuals and communities, we need to take action to prevent, isolate and care for ourselves and others during the outbreak.

In the last week alone, the pace of change of advice about COVID-19 has ramped up. Millions of people across the world have received letters / orders / mandates by the respective governments to stay at home / in lockdown for anywhere between 3 to 12 weeks. In this blog, we have collated recommendations and tips from authorized organizations — like the WHO, NHS, or BHF — for those members of the Playpal community who want to learn more about the steps they should take during this pandemic.

The Difference Between Self Isolation, Shielding, & Social Distancing

Self-isolation means staying at home. It applies mainly to those people that have been exposed to the virus, that exhibit coronavirus symptoms, or live with someone who exhibits them.
Shielding is similar to self-isolation, except it lasts for a longer time-period and is mainly for extremely vulnerable people (I.e. those with specific underlying health conditions)
Social distancing is about limiting face-to-face interactions with people so as to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to help protect anyone from catching it. Everyone should be practising social distancing right now, regardless of their susceptibility or symptomatology.

How to Self-Isolate

if you have corona virus Symptoms:

• You’ll need to self isolate for 7 days
• Stay at home and do not go out. Don’t go to work, school, or use public transportation or taxis.
• Stay at least three steps away (two metres or six feet) from other people in your home. Be particularly careful around those who are over 70, are pregnant, or who have a long-term underlying health condition.
• Avoid having any visitors in your home. Ask them to leave any deliveries at your door.
• Don’t go out to buy food or collect medicine, if possible. Order them by phone or online, or ask someone else to drop them off at your home.
• Sleep alone if you can.
• Make sure you and any household members are washing your hands regularly and taking extra care of your hygiene.

After 7 days

• If you do not have a high temperature, you do not need to self-isolate.
• If you still have a high temperature, keep self-isolating until your temperature returns to normal (note: if you just have a cough after 7 days, you do not need to self-isolate. A cough can last for several weeks after the infection has gone).

If you live with someone who has symptoms:

• You’ll need to self isolate for 14 days from the day their symptoms started. This is because it can take 14 days for symptoms to appear.
• According to the NHS, “if more than 1 person at home has symptoms, self-isolate for 14 days from the day the first person started having symptoms.
• If you get symptoms, self isolate for 7 days from when your symptoms start, even if it means you’re self-isolating for longer than 14 days.
• If you do not get symptoms, you can stop self-isolating after 14 days.”

How to Practice Social Distancing

• Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.
• Avoid non-essential use of public transport.
• Work from home if at all possible.
• Use online or telephone services to contact your GP or other essential services.
• Ensure that any essential visitors (like carers) wash their hands regularly
• If you are required to leave your house for any essential errands, maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from anyone and everyone

Coping in this Uncertain Time

Being isolated from other people for such long time-periods can be really hard on our mental health. Thankfully, there are many ways we can come together despite the social distancing, such as connecting with friends and family by phone, text or with other virtual tools. This is a great time to reach out to someone you’ve been meaning to reconnect with, or to pursue a passion / hobby that you didn’t get around to doing.

To learn more about the little things you can do to keep your mental & physical wellness intact during this global lockdown, read our blog or HSS’s latest advice.