Please note: Social distancing protocols are rapidly changing. Please refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for updated and accurate measures on how best to social distance.
As you may know, there is a virus going around: novel coronavirus or COVID-19.
The virus has turned into a pandemic and despite how scary it may seem, the best way to prevent getting the disease is by doing these five things: washing your hands often; coughing and sneezing into your elbow; not touching your face; staying home; and most importantly, keeping your distance from others, a.k.a. social distancing.
You’ve probably heard “social distancing” once or twice (or maybe a few hundred times), but we want to make sure you know more on how to effectively social distance and what to do if you’re feeling ill.
Social Distancing
Tip number one: don’t gather with others. State and local governments have already taken steps to cancel many gatherings and event and ensure everyone stays home, but it’s up to us to make sure to follow those guidelines and keep our interaction to the people we live with.
While gatherings aren’t possible now, that doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. Go virtual, and get creative! We recommend something along the lines of having an online Netflix Party or messing around with backgrounds on Zoom. Check out 6 unexpected ways to feel connected from Sanvello to spark your creativity. We know it’s not ideal, but it’s still best to keep hangouts virtual to keep everyone safe.
Other social distancing tips include keeping at least a six foot distance from others and using your best judgement when going to essential businesses or places that may be crowded. If possible, wear a cloth mask, try to go at off-peak times and have a plan B.
Besides social distancing things, doctors and nurses are working every day to make sure everyone is healthy. One of the best ways to help them is maintaining social distance protocols. Another way is reserving surgical masks or N95 respirators for the medical professionals who need them the most.
Feeling Ill
If you are sick or feeling ill, self-isolate and call your primary care doctor or your local county/state health department. If you’re still on campus, the Barnes Center at The Arch is available by calling 315.443.8000. Even if you show no symptoms, it is best to stay away from others. Going out, even without symptoms, can still spread illness and affect different people. While one person may not exhibit any symptoms, another person, such as an elderly person or someone with an underlying health condition, can become critically ill. Better safe than sorry!
If you’re sick, you can still maintain contact with friends and family over text, Facetime or Zoom, but physically isolate yourself and try to stay in your house for the duration that you are ill. Once you are cleared by a medical professional, you can go out of isolation and do things like go into your backyard to soak up spring sunshine, but continue to practice social distancing.
Take care of yourselves and check in with each other!
Written by Christopher Scarglato ’23, S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications