With that comes basically learning a new language.
Heres what to know about social distancing, isolation, and quarantine.
Social distancing means staying away from people who live outside your home.
Morgan Johnson
Right now, that means we should essentially all practice social distancing.
So too are decisions like roping off playground equipment and closing spaces like parks and public beaches.
Social distancing encompasses a huge range of activities, Murray says.
Theyre ways that officials are trying to emphasize and enforce social distancing measures.
That said, clearly not everyone can practice social distancing to the same extent.
Medical employees likedoctorsand nurses still need to work in extremely high-risk scenarios on a regular basis.
For everyone whos not [an essential employee], they should be doing the strictest possible social distancing.
The better people stick to social distancing, the better it works, Murray says.
Its critical to remember thatwearing cloth face coverings in publicisnota substitute for social distancing.
Social distancing is better, Murray says.
We cant replace social distancing with masks.
Quarantine means staying home for 14 days if youve definitely or most likely been exposed to COVID-19.
Think of quarantine as the next step up in intensity from social distancing.
Anyone whos been exposed may at any point become sick, Murray explains.
But those guidelines were last updated on April 4.
This doesnt necessarily mean you automatically need to quarantine if youlivein an area with high community circulation.
But if someone sneezes on you while youre in the pharmacy, quarantine can be a good idea.
If you do need to quarantine, youll need to eliminate physical interactions outside your household.
Pulling this off can be really hard depending on your situation.
However, if you do develop symptoms, its time to isolate yourself to avoid spreading the infection.
Isolation means separating yourself fromallother people because youre sick.
(We know this isnt always possible.
Heres some guidanceon how to care for yourself if you have the new coronavirus.
Andheres how to knowif you or someone youre caring for needs to go to the E.R.
These terms matter, but its okay if you dont get them perfect every time.
Good news: If youve been mixing up these words, its probably not a huge deal.
For the general public, they are kind of interchangeable concepts, Murray says.
The distinctionsdomatter for people on the front lines of fighting this virus.
For now, its the best defense we have.
