Social Distancing: Why and How

With the new quarantine measures that were implemented Monday morning, some of the choices we usually make regarding our personal behavior have been made for us. We are being directed to prevent becoming infected and spreading the coronavirus by staying in our homes and only venturing out to get groceries, medications or health care. Schools, restaurants, bars, and any places where the public gathers have been closed down. The metro and buses are running, but on significantly reduced schedules. 

How Coronavirus Spreads

The reason for these measures is clear. Both the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) state that the coronavirus most commonly spreads when people have contact with the virus found in respiratory droplets that come from infected people who have coughed or sneezed. These airborne droplets can stay suspended in the air for about 30 minutes before falling to a surface where the virus can linger. While it is still not known how long the coronavirus can survive on surfaces, new research suggests that it could survive on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours and on cardboard for up to 24 hours. 

While it is believed that the coronavirus is primarily spread by people who are in close contact with one another via aspirated, airborne droplets, the virus can also spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects. This is why the CDC and WHO have emphasized handwashing, the use of hand sanitizer when washing is not an option and  regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces in addition to limiting social contact. 

While it is inconvenient, it has proven effective. During the 1918 flu pandemic, social distancing was extremely effective in those communities that implemented these practices at the time. 

Why Social Distancing Works

If done correctly, social distancing can break the chain of transmission, and it’s currently the only really effective way to fight the spread of this new virus. Since infected individuals can spread the virus as many as five days before they begin to show symptoms, social distancing is effective because it limits the number of people an individual comes in contact with before they even know they are infected.

Many public spaces and non-essential businesses in Spain have been shut down, but when you do go out, you can further reduce your risk of exposure following these practices:

• Keep your distance. Make sure not to stand close to people while in line, shopping or anywhere else. Try to keep six to 10 feet (or two to three meters) away from others.
• Avoid shaking hands. Viruses can be passed by shaking hands and then touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Instead, greet others with a wave or a nod.
• Limit in-person social interaction with friends and family. Even small gatherings increase the risk for contracting the disease.
• If you must go out, walk whenever possible rather than taking public transportation. If you need to take public transportation, try to go at off hours, keep as much distance as possible from other people and avoid touching your face.
• Work from home if at all possible.
• If you can get it, use hand sanitizer when you cannot find a washroom.
• Wash your hands immediately when arriving home.
• Strictly avoid people who you know are sick or are exhibiting symptoms.

Social distancing is not easy to do, but the alternative is bad for your health, and for the rest of us. Call or videoconference with your friends and family during these days of confinement; it’s important to stay in touch to combat feelings of isolation and depression. Take on a new project, read a book or indulge in some binge watching. It will help. We are fortunate to live in an age with so many communication options to stay connected. 

One hopeful note: if we do not already feel we are all together on this earth perhaps the spread of the coronavirus will serve as a wake-up call to humanity that we share this earth and we can overcome challenges by acting in concert with one another.

As for me, I am going to say thank you to every person I encounter who is working and providing us with products and services in this time of imposed quarantine. They are amazing and courageous. 

A good source for more information is the CDC Guidelines for Community Mitigation Strategies. Additionally, there is an article in The Atlantic published March 12, “The Do’s and Don'ts of ‘Social Distancing’“ by Kaitlyn Tiffany. 

Numbers to Call in Barcelona

The city of Barcelona wishes to attend everyone with questions or concerns as expediently as possible, and asks that only those with serious medical emergencies call the emergency services number: 112.

If you are worried or have questions you can call 010 or 012.

If you are feeling unwell, please call 061.