Social Distancing: Dos and Don’ts

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently released guidelines for social distancing, quarantining, and isolation that specify recommended behaviors to slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s critical that everyone does their part to take the CDC’s guidelines seriously, and no one is exempt. Learn more below about what behaviors do and don’t fall within social distancing guidelines.

Don’t: Visit others in person.  

It’s important to know that everyone needs to practice social distancing in order to slow the spread of the virus, not just those who have symptoms. Even if you don’t think you are sick, you could still spread the virus to others with no symptoms.

Do: Call, video chat, and email. 

Stay in touch with your friends and loved ones virtually. Schedule group video calls to check-in and make sure everyone is staying safe and healthy. Telling your friends and family “no” to in-person meetups can be difficult, but in doing so you are helping to save lives.

Don’t: Take unnecessary car trips, even by yourself. 

As the weather gets nicer, it may seem safe to drive to a state park, a secluded beach, or a hiking trail. Even if you aren’t traveling with anyone outside your home, solitary trips still give the virus opportunities to spread. Consider all risks: You will have to stop to get gas, you could have car trouble, or you could get in a collision.

Do: Take walks to your nearby park or around your neighborhood. 

The best way to reduce your risk and still get some exercise and fresh air is to take walks near your home. Consider other activities for your family to participate in that don’t involve traveling.

Don’t: Go to the store more than necessary. 

As a rule of thumb, if are going to the store to purchase only a few items, it’s best to wait until you’re ready to purchase your full week’s worth of groceries. If you find yourself going to the grocery store just to get out of the house, try taking a walk instead.

Do: Plan your trips to reduce the number of times you leave the house. 

Every trip to the grocery store increases your risk of spreading or contracting COVID-19, and this means making your trips count. This doesn’t mean hoarding items, though. Try to visit the grocery store no more than once a week, and make sure you have everything you need by planning your list. Follow these tips on how to stay safe when grocery shopping.

Don’t: Take public transportation or use ride-sharing services when unnecessary. 

It’s nearly impossible to maintain the CDC’s recommended six feet of distance from others while using public transit or ride-sharing services. When possible, avoid these options.

Do: Use solitary modes of transit like driving, biking, or walking. 

Whenever possible, use solitary modes of transit when you need to leave your home.

Don’t: Leave your home when feeling sick. 

Don’t go into work, visit the grocery store, or interact with others if you are feeling sick.

Do: Monitor your symptoms and call your doctor. 

Follow the CDC’s guidelines of what to do when you are sick in order to prevent spreading the virus to others.