(Test) Why Social Distancing is No Longer Just a Choice I Make Regularly, But a Necessity
List of 5 Reasons Why Everyone Needs to Be Social Distancing
From the government to the news, our teachers, and our parents, everyone is telling us how we have to social distance, meaning that we are quarantined under one roof indefinitely. Don’t worry! I completely agree, and not only because I have always been a homebody who regularly chooses to avoid social outings and would much prefer a night in and a classic movie I’ve seen a thousand times to a party. Social distancing is essential to controlling the coronavirus as quickly as possible. However, it is still upsetting to not see my new found best friends every day and to not spend my spring months on the beautiful Elon University campus. As popular as it is for people to be yelling about social distancing on social media, people are often just saying “DO IT!!!” without explaining why it’s important. Henceforth, I have made this list of just five reasons why everyone needs to participate in social distancing. For a brief demonstration of the impact social distancing can have during this pandemic, click on the tweet below to view this video posted by the Ohio Department of Health.
1. To protect yourself
Social distancing is explained by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as staying at least 6 feet away from other people, not gathering in groups of people, and avoiding crowded areas. A common misconception about the coronavirus is that it only affects old people. People of all ages are susceptible to the virus and at risk. Also despite popular belief, there are currently no vaccines for COVID-19. Even if you think you’re immune, you’re not. Following these instructions is essential to avoiding contracting the coronavirus and keeping yourself healthy.
2. For the protection others around you
COVID-19 has quickly made its way around the world, and more people have it or have had it in the past than we can count. A large portion of the people who have had the virus has been asymptomatic meaning they haven’t shown any of the known symptoms of the virus. However, asymptomatic cases can still pass the virus on to others who may not be as equipped to fight it off. By social distancing, we can prevent this continuous spreading to people who are at high risk.
3. To “flatten the curve”
According to John Hopkins Medicine flattening the curve refers to slowing down the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading in order to ensure hospitals have enough resources to take care of the number of incoming patients. This means having enough room, supplies, and doctors to help patients in need.
4. To help our health care and essential workers
Healthcare workers are putting themselves at risk every single day to take care of patients who have COVID-19. They are exposing themselves and working overtime to step up in this time of need. Hundreds of healthcare workers have died because they have contracted the virus from their patients. Other essential workers are also making sure our basic needs are met while risking their own safety. If you know a healthcare worker, make sure you thank them for all that they have done during this time of uncertainty. Healthcare workers continue to encourage people to stay at home and practice social distancing so their hard work doesn’t go to waste.
5. To give the government and CDC time
The coronavirus and its effects are unprecedented! It is difficult for the CDC and the government to know what exactly they need to do to ensure safety and health. The CDC has been putting out resources that explain how to protect yourself and what to do when you’re sick. Updates regarding information from the government can be found at coronavirus.gov. For now, we need to follow the social distancing guidelines until they are prepared to share more information with us.
6. Bonus: To do the things you didn’t have time for before
While I am still doing classes online and having plenty of homework to do, the hours in my day that I spent working or participating in extracurriculars at school are now free time. As inconvenient as quarantining may seem, social distancing is how we will keep ourselves and the people around us safe. Use this extra time to do things you didn’t have time to before. For example, I am having a Marvel movie marathon with my family that we have been putting off for years, starting a stricter workout plan, and reading the books that have been collecting dust on my shelf. On the other hand, don’t feel pressured to do anything out of the ordinary if you don’t want to. Taking care of your mental health is extremely important especially right now so do what you need to do to stay happy. The key to getting through this will be staying positive. Find the light in these seemingly dark times and remember we’re all in this together.
