The Term “Social Distancing” Needs A New Face, Not Mask
We can do better than social distancing.
Wash your hands
Wear a mask
Practice social distancing
Looks Familiar, Right?
The majority of the world recognizes these recommendations for protecting ourselves against coronavirus. These recommendations are so well-versed nowadays, even more than our national anthem.
Washing hands and wearing a mask is straight-forward advice, but the term “social distancing” remains opaque. When it comes to life-saving advice, the message needs to be clear as day, not mud.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) applies the phrase “social distancing” as a means to create a safe space of at least 6 feet between yourself and those around you. “Social distancing” is a typically used term, but this coined phrase sends mixed messages. Social distancing is interpreted on a scale ranging from the original intention of a physical 6-foot length to extreme measures of complete isolation.
The phrase “social distance” bears a subjective psychological component.
- Some interpret social distancing from a physical 6-feet length standpoint.
