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What is social distancing and why is it important?

Social distancing means literally distancing yourself from others.

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The goal is to flatten the curve of the virus.

Okay, what does social distancing actually look like?

Id probably be fine if I got sickcant I just go about my life?

Again, its not only about you.

Mostly because its not justyourhealth youre putting at riskits everyone elses that you may come in contact with.

Its about building protection at a community level, not just worrying about oneself.

If a place isnt closed or an event isnt canceled, does that mean its safe to go?

There are a lot of factors at play when it comes to businesses carrying on as normal right now.

That doesnt mean its okay from apublic healthstandpoint to go to these places while a pandemic is happening.

There are no easy answers.

Hopefully, policies will be put in place to mitigate these negative outcomes.

What if Ihaveto go somewhere?

Its going to happen!

For most people, total lockdown isnt possible at this point.

Youll likely need to go to thegrocery store, pick up medication, or run other necessary errands.

(Here are a few more tips foravoiding the new coronaviruswhile on transit modes like trains and buses.)

Lastly, walk orbikewhen you’ve got the option to versus taking public transit or ride-sharing.

Cant my friends and I hang out at home?

And yes, that sucks.

These are all the things that we do to add joy to our lives.

Instead, be creative about how you socialize.

Nows a good chance to finally get on board with video chatting or lean hard on thegroup chat.

Social distance doesnt have to mean social isolation.

Can I go for a walk?

Like attending to essential errands, choosing when and where to go outside is a matter of strategy.

Its very important to identify times when there are fewer people out and about, says Cannuscio.

How long until we return to life as usual?

Its hard to say.

Each country is having such different experiences because of such different policies, she says.

Does my individual action really matter in the grand scheme of things?

Yes, it really, really does.

The situation with coronavirus is evolving rapidly.