The
term social distancing seems to be sending the wrong message to millions of
people world over as they struggle to come to terms with this COVID-19
pandemic. Many are asking what this term "Social Distancing" means.
Is the term used wrongly by authorities at the onset of the epidemic?
This term came into place after Corona Virus started spreading in different parts of the world. Many health ministry’s having identified how the infectious virus is transmitted, settled on social distancing among a host of other techniques to curb its spread. This confusion in what is meant by the term social distancing has raised numerous question but here is what the general public needs to know.
Social
distancing does not mean cutting social ties and staying all alone. Instead it
loosely translates to physical distancing which includes a host of
interventions like staying and working from home and maintaining a one-meter
distance between individuals at all times.
This
therefore means that the correct term that should be used should be
"physical Distancing rather than social distancing which was misleading
and that its widespread usage could be counterproductive.
The
world health organization also came to this realization and applauded Daniel
Aldrich, a professor of political science and public policy at Northeastern
University who first sort to correct the confusion caused by this term Social
Distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic.
This
is a clear indication that the efforts taken to slow the spread of corona virus
through maintaining physical distancing should not trample upon strengthening
social ties because social ties are an important component in fighting and getting
through this disaster.
Networks
and cohesion among communities has been a major way of showing resilience among
people during major shocks such as pandemics, war and other natural disasters
for many years and cutting such links now through misinterpretation could prove
fatal.
In
March 20th the WHO came out to state why it had changed from social distancing
to the term physical distancing saying that they were changing to say ‘physical
distance,’ and that’s on purpose because they want people to still remain
connected. This social connection is what was going to lead to better mass
emancipation and sharing of knowledge that will enable the world get back to
its feet. Don't you think so?
The
semantics of "Social distancing", which refers to creating physical
space between one another and avoiding large gatherings, comes from public
health and epidemiology lexicon but many misinterpreted it, to some people,
they thought social distancing meant ‘If I had friendships before, it’s time to
hunker down. Or, if I were a member of a church or synagogue, it’s time to pray
by myself.”
That should not be the case, as it is now, truth be told even in the midst of the continuous fight to kick this pandemic out and get back to our real selves, the COVID-19 order is going to be around for a little while, what else can we do if not feel connected?
Many
cases have been reported of people who stopped attending the gym, music
concerts, school, offices but are neither reaching out on social media or using
modern technology to maintain this much need social connections. The elderly are the most affected by this
changes as most of them are not on these modern tech platforms and this makes
it hard for them to know or even live well. It is thus important to maintain
social ties through calls or sharing messages just to keep them on the know and
know how they are doing on a daily basis.
Communities
with strong social networks, which can share lifesaving information with one
another are the ones that have been able to survive and live again a new life
after a pandemic or hard hitting situation. Weak social ties are a root cause
of vulnerable populations.
So
Let's get this right - we need physical distancing not social distancing during
covid-19 pandemic. Let’s get in touch with those we have been in constant
communication with, lets share what we know-make sure it is verified information
so you don’t get on the wrong side of the law. Find out what your friends are
doing, link up on Skype, Facebook or Instagram as you work from home.
If
you have read something informative out there on social media feel free to
share with your family. Call them up and check on them. Let’s keep our social
circles intact and not socially keep distance. I hope you now understand that
what we need is physical distancing and not social distancing during covid-19
pandemic. Staying connected is a way to stay grounded. It keeps you from being
pulled into a state of sheer anxiety and isolation is hazardous to your health.
Stay safe and protected.