Why Social Distancing Is Crucial

Updated April 1, 2020.

There are many mixed messages and misconceptions around the importance of social distancing circulating. For example, you may hear young people are less likely to get critically ill, so it’s safe for them to be out and about. However, new data shows that nearly 40 percent of those hospitalized in the U.S. from Covid-19 are aged 20-54. While it’s unfortunate that many have had to close businesses that are considered non-essential during this time, economists point out that social distancing is not only saving lives, but also protecting the much-needed workforce from being depleted due to unnecessary illnesses and deaths.

By acting in ways that may seem drastic now, we increase our ability to “flatten the curve,” allowing for a more gradual rather than acute rise in Covid-19 cases to prevent overwhelming the healthcare system all at once. The health of our patients and providers remains our number one priority, and we can all do our part to help those that are most affected by this pandemic.

Many medical experts, government leaders, public figures, and even economists, have been pleading for public support in “flattening the curve.” This now widely echoing phrase, often accompanied by a demonstrative chart, refers to how social distancing efforts can prevent the rapid spread of disease. By taking proactive measures to ease the spread rather than allowing it to sharply spike at once, hospitals and healthcare providers will have more bandwidth to care for those in critical need, preventing unnecessary deaths.

While many local and state governments have issued “shelter-in-place” or “stay-at-home” mandates, guidance still varies from city to city and state to state. Despite the restrictions in place in your local area, One Medical suggests practicing strict social distancing during this time:

• Work from home unless it’s essential for you to go into the workplace (i.e. if you’re a healthcare provider, grocery store clerk, emergency responder, etc.)
• Avoid going to public places unless absolutely essential. When planning necessary trips to the store, make sure you’re mindful of ways to protect yourselves and others while grocery shopping. Or consider having your groceries delivered, if that option is available to you.
• Exercising outdoors is okay and encouraged for maintaining your physical and mental health. But there are many ways to proactively practice social distancing while enjoying outdoor time. For example, swap your regular run through a popular park for a trail-less-traveled, maintain a 6-foot-distance from others (even if that means crossing the street to avoid passing someone on the sidewalk) and however tempting, don’t use common surfaces as exercise equipment.
• Swap in-person meet-ups for video hangouts or phone calls. While a small gathering with a few friends may feel safe, research shows that much of the spread is taking place among people who are asymptomatic. Even if you aren’t touching others directly, people can still spread the virus through touched surfaces where the virus can live for several days.

Thank you for doing your part to help flatten the curve and protect our community during this time. Please remember to prioritize your mental health while self isolating, and reach out to your One Medical provider with any health concerns.