The novel coronavirus COVID-19, as illustrated here against a backdrop of a DNA molecule, contains only approximately 30,000 base pairs in its entire sequence, yet is capable of infecting and killing millions of people across the globe. Our best defense, at this point in time, lies in our own behavior and compliance with physical distancing and best isolation practices. (GETTY IMAGES)

These Are The Dangers Of Visiting Even One Friend During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Visiting even one friend can undo all the good work that social distancing has accomplished.

Over the past few months, people all over the world have come to realize just how serious and deadly the current COVID-19 pandemic actually is. The number of confirmed global cases now exceeds 2.7 million, with a significant percentage of those leading to serious (or worse) complications. At the time this article was written, the number of COVID-19-related fatalities is approaching 200,000, with more than a quarter of those occurring in the United States alone.

And yet, there’s cause for both hope and concern. Social distancing appears to be working: the infection rate appears to be falling as we flatten the curve. The number of new infections and the number of new deaths per day appear to be reaching their peak. But now is the most critical time to keep social contact low. While many clamor to “reopen America,” a team of network epidemiologists are actively warning against close physical contact with even one person outside your household. Here’s the science behind why.