Social Distancing & Digital Connectivity
It’s the year 2020 and the world as we know it has been changing more in just the last three months than it has in the last decade. With the breakout of COVID-19, better known as Coronavirus, it is important that we ‘keep our distance’. Social distancing refers to avoiding close contact with other individuals in order to avoid catching the virus yourself and to avoid passing it on.
As the infected numbers are increasing at an alarming pace, the only factor we can truly control is distancing ourselves from one another to avoid the spread. Since we cannot control the biological behavior of the virus, it is becoming imperative that we all reduce contact with each other.
However, at a trying time such as this, we can take this opportunity to stay digitally connected as we are more connected to one another today than ever before in human history. Social media, the internet and other forms of communication are; quite literally our life savers as loneliness is considered the next biggest public health crises! (apart from the Coronavirus)
Many cities have encouraged social distancing by banning large gatherings, encouraging telecommuting, closing schools and avoiding crowded public transportation if possible. Although this may seem like a quarantined lockdown, businessmen can use this break as a tool to improve their businesses by staying digitally connected. Reassuring your clientele by providing measures to prevent the virus from spreading is a great way to improve customer relationships.
Increasing your online presence during a time when most customers will be checking their social media often, is a tactful way to keep a hold on your target audience, whether you are posting verified facts about the virus itself or simply giving out much needed positive content, your voice must be heard to stay relevant.
Further, it’s not just businesses that can see the brighter side. Social distancing is a difficult hurdle to overcome and can take a toll on one’s mental health greatly, in short: the isolation can drive you insane! But not all hope is lost. In times of crisis, people have instinctively come together to share experiences, show solidarity, and to help each other. This social support has proven to be an important factor in protecting against the negative impact that these events can have on our mental health. The outbreak of the coronavirus is unprecedented in that the advice to self-isolate and distance ourselves from others is the exact opposite of what we as human beings want to do in times of crisis.
Much will depend on how well the social distancing measures are placed in work and how much we can slow the pandemic down. The Government of Sri-Lanka has recently issued ‘working from home’ due to the prevailing situation of the country; in order to maintain social distance. Further, staying digitally connected is crucial during tough times such as these, in order to stay safe from the Coronavirus and carry out essential tasks from home.
Therefore, we at Arimac, urge each and every one of you to stay safe; socially distant but digitally connected, be informed and always look for the light at the end of the tunnel!
To stay abreast with the latest official news and precautionary measures for the general public on the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) please visit http://hpb.health.gov.lk/ This website was revamped and is updated by Team Arimac and the Health Promotion Bureau. Help fight this pandemic and the mis/disinformation surrounding it to keep people safe.
References
https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2020/0316/1123492-mental-health-tips-coronavirus-lockdown/
https://www.uschamber.com/co/grow/customers/stay-connected-to-customers-during-coronavirus
