Social Distancing in the Age of Global Pandemics and How to Cope with It

What is Social Distancing?

Corona is finally here amongst us. Kenya has only one confirmed positive case of the disease, and the level of fear and panic is palpable. Even though panic is not the best way to go about it when a pandemic strikes, high vigilance and caution are highly advised. Developed countries like US, Britain, Italy, China, and Korea have already felt the wrath of the virus. One can only imagine what happens when it finally gets to the streets of Nairobi in the scales we’ve already seen in other countries.

The WHO, CDC, and other health organizations have advised that the pandemic can be defeated if people follow the science, stick to the guidelines and avoid panic. One such guideline is “social distancing.” Many people have asked legitimate questions such as “what is social distancing?”, and “how does it affect social life?” As we come to terms with the shock of Corona and its possible cataclysmic impacts, let’s understand what “social distancing” means and how it will affect our social lives going forward.

World Health Organization defines social distancing as a public health practice of encouraging people to keep their physical distance from each other during disease outbreaks in order to slow the spread of infection. Social distancing is definitely good news for the introverts. However, even the extroverts can give it a try, at least during this period when the world is still battling a threatening global pandemic.

 The whole essence of social distancing is to reduce the spread of an outbreak and to lessen the impact on society, and especially on the burden on the medical care system. So here we go, if you find yourself with symptoms of coronavirus, please keep it to yourself! Sorry, that was a bit harsh, social distancing ensures helps you protect your family, your loved ones, and the general public from getting the disease. It is the ultimate altruistic act we can do for the sake of humanity. Just imagine it; no handshakes, no hugs, no kisses; and sex is completely out of the question, at least until we get to contain the virus. This is a big ask, but we must do it if we want the human race to survive this pandemic. 

How do I practice social distancing?

Avoid handshakes, hugs, and kisses

Handshakes are customary in Kenya and around the world and are used as a form of greetings. Coronavirus spreads through droplets and close contact with infected persons. Handshakes, therefore, can be a means of spreading diseases further to millions of people in the society. Instead of handshakes and hugs, we’ve been advised to try other forms of greetings like smiling from a distance, wave, or bumping of elbows.

Avoid lunchroom rush

Lunchrooms are always busy when the clock hits 1 o’clock. In the face of the Corona pandemic, this is something we can avoid. Whether you eat your lunch in the employees’ common room, cafeteria or in a restaurant, avoid the rush. This means we can eat when there are no crowds gathered for lunch. 

Find a quiet place and sit alone

Social places like bars, concerts, restaurants are always busy in Nairobi, especially during weekends. We’ve been advised to avoid going to such places. However, should you find yourself in a bar, for some of us who cannot avoid, just find a place that is not crowded and sit there quietly.  I know, sitting alone in a bar on a Saturday evening is never fashionable, but for the sake of Corona, let’s just isolate.

Why bother with social distancing? To Flatten the Curve

The world is never devoid of skeptics and cynics. You bet there are people who are already questing the very essence of social distancing, on whether it actually helps in the fight against Corona. Science shows that self-isolation is actually a secret weapon against any pandemic. The greatest worry for the people in the medical sector right now is having to deal with a situation where there is a peak outbreak of the COVID-19. In such situations, the healthcare systems will definitely be overburdened. Public health professionals recommend social distancing as a way of flattening the curve. 

It is clear that social distancing can have a serious impact when implemented early, and properly; over time, all patients get the resources they need, and their medical needs are taken care of.

Preventing Loneliness in times of Social Distancing

As more and more people embrace social distancing and isolation as a way of fighting the spread of coronavirus, COVID-19 will not be the only public health threat we should be worried about-loneliness is a one as well. Past studies have shown that people who do not feel connected to others are vulnerable to the common cold, depression, heart diseases, and reduced cognitive functions. As a matter of fact, the long-term effects of loneliness are similar to smoking and obesity.

Social experts warn that people should find ways of connecting without contact. This way we get to fight both coronavirus and effects of loneliness. The following are some of the suggestions on how to balance between the two:

Have face-to-face from afar

The next best thing to in-person interaction is video chat because it allows for facial cues, body language and other nonverbal forms of communication. Sociologists and communication experts believe that such nonverbal cues are important for bonding. The internet has become cheap and ubiquitous; this means that social distancing does not have to translate into loneliness. When possible, let’s opt for video over messaging or calling, and play around with doing what you would normally do with others. For example, you could try having a digital dinner, a virtual happy hour with friends or have a remote book club meeting.

One-minute kindness

We are a generation that is obsessed with social media and instant gratification and validation. While getting likes and comments on social media can give one a fleeting hit of dopamine, having a direct message with genuine compliment or expression of gratitude is more personal and longer-lasting. As you find yourself scrolling through people’s posts, even as we self-isolate, stop for a second and send one of them a few kind words. After all, and I cannot stress this enough, we need a little extra kindness to counter the stress and uncertainty of the coronavirus.

Have a community and cultivate togetherness

The basis of any meaningful connection is having something in common. Whatever your niche of interest, there is always an online community of people who share your passion and can’t wait to nerd out with you about it. We can also take advantage of digital support groups. 

Friends let’s take advantage of the available online groups and digital support systems to avoid getting miserable and lonely in the face of Corona. There are fundamentally two ways to approach this: deepen your current relationships by engaging more with friends and relatives you haven’t talked to in a while, or broaden your social circle by reaching out to more people or that special someone you would like to get to know, digitally of course.