Although top health experts in our government say that social distancing appears to be slowing the spread of coronavirus in the U.S., the measure, which at first seemed extreme to most, has still not managed to stop it.
With these grim tidings, many people are wondering what the difference is between our current social distancing guidelines, including shelter-in-place, and self-quarantine.
That’s why we’re breaking down the ins and outs of both so that you best know how to protect yourself and the people around you…
Social distancing or self-quarantine
Put simply, social distancing is the practice of avoiding other people as much as possible in order to stay well and stop a virus’s spread.
That’s the reason more than 40 states have enacted a shelter-in-place (or stay-at-home) order to limit public interaction and hopefully take the pressure off an already overburdened healthcare system that has been seeing a surge of coronavirus cases.
On the other hand, self-quarantine is what you’ll need to do if you suspect you have been exposed to or already infected by the coronavirus.
So, if you’ve come from a viral hotspot, have come in contact with someone who has the virus, or are exhibiting symptoms, it will be your go-to method to avoid passing the virus on to others.
Coronavirus symptoms to be aware of include:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Pink eye
- Loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or headache
- Digestive issues
If you have any of these symptoms or not — because exposure alone warrants self-quarantine — the experts recommend you stay home, avoid other people, and inform your doctor.
What is self-quarantine like?
It starts with separation. When you do have to make the decision to self-quarantine, it’s important to remember that it’s just as important to keep people from coming to see you, as it is to avoid going out yourself.
Visitors could easily pick up the virus and start a chain reaction of spread. So, even though someone means well in coming over with well-wishes, it’s better to conduct any visits via phone or video chat than in person.
Once you’re in self-quarantine, you shouldn’t be going for walks, sleeping with another person, or even sharing a bathroom, if possible. You shouldn’t even interact with your pets, other than to feed them if you are their lone caretaker.
If possible, it’s best to not share the same areas within the living space you may share with your family, even if that means staying in a separate room and only coming out for trips to the bathroom and having family members leave food at your door.
If you’re living alone and need groceries, have them delivered to your doorstep or enlist a friend or family member to pick them up and drop them off for you. To decide which options work best for you, you might want to check out the pros and cons of the different ways of getting your groceries during the coronavirus epidemic by my colleague, Joyce Hollman.
Wear a mask
The recommendations regarding masks have been confusing, but if you are self-quarantined due to possible exposure and are living with others, you should wear one if you have to go in common areas of the house that are shared with other family members or roommates. And they should too, at least in common areas, for instance, an apartment with one shared bathroom.
Hygiene and disinfecting
Handwashing goes up a notch if that is even possible. And take extreme care with coughs or sneezes to try to prevent aerosol droplets or virus-carrying drops that could land on other surfaces. Use the elbow area of your sleeve. Keep disinfecting wipes with you to wipe down surfaces and doorknobs to and from trips to the bathroom. If your family leaves food for you at your door, wipe them down when you place them outside your door for pickup.
And, remember, whether you’re simply social distancing during this time, or are under quarantine, the loneliness that can result can also lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Luckily, Joyce also offers insight into three ways to ease the impact of time alone, including proven ways to release your body’s natural opioids.
It can also help to remember that we’re all in this together and despite the grim predictions, we can come out the other side stronger as people, families, communities, and a nation. So, stay home, stay safe, and stay positive.
Editor’s note: Some of my Facebook friends have asked for book suggestions while they’re in lockdown. If you haven’t heard about The Part-Time Health Nut: How to Attain your best health ever — without extreme diets, dangerous pills or brutal workouts, now’s a good time to read up on how you can get fit and healthy without going overboard. And unlike most book purchases, if you aren’t happy with what you read, you can receive a full refund! Click here for a preview!
Sources:
- Social distancing appears to be slowing the spread of coronavirus in some areas but crisis won’t end soon, officials say — CNN
- Coronavirus in the US: How all 50 states are responding – and why eight still refuse to issue stay-at-home orders — USA Today
- See Which States and Cities Have Told Residents to Stay at Home — The New York Times
- How to Quarantine Yourself — The New York Times
- 10 coronavirus symptoms you may not be aware of, from malaise and dizziness to digestive issues — Business Insider
- When should I self-isolate? Coronavirus symptoms, high-risk groups and latest UK advice explained — inews.co.uk
