By HarrishThirukumaran
“Social distancing bends the curve and relieves some pressure on our heroic medical professionals.But in order to shift off current policies, the key will be a robust system of testing and monitoring – something we have yet to put in place nationwide, tweeted by Barack Obama, the former President of the United States on April 8, 2020. He notes that lifting these measures before robust testing and monitoring can take place would undo progress being made in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This came about as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday, April 6 that he increased the maximum fine up to $1,000 in the state for individuals that violate its strict social distancing rules during the outbreak as it addresses its high number of cases. It is in response to many residents of the state not taking the rules seriously, placing others in danger of contracting the virus.
In Canada, there are some that are trying to find loopholes around social distancing such as talking to one another from apartment balconies or with lawn chairs on driveways. However, public health experts are warning that these are not worth the risk. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated there have been instances where Canadians are ignoring social distancing rules blatantly as well. According to microbiologist Jason Kindrachuk, the coronavirus is transmitted by respiratory droplets, which are released into the air when infected individuals breathe, talk, sneeze or cough. The droplets will generally travel about two metres before they hit the ground.
Similar to what Obama has said about the measure, social or physical distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak. One of the most important steps you can take is maintaining a distance of at least 2 arms-length or 2 metres from others as much as possible. Other ways to practice social distancing is to take public transportation during off-peak hours and staying home as much as possible,including for meals and entertainment. More information about social distancing can be found on the Government of Canada website. Practicing social distancing will help slow the spread of COVID-19.
