Social Distancing is Not Optional

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted everyone with the new social distancing requirements. Businesses are shutting down, people working remotely and students learning online. Essential workers who can’t are bravely taking every precaution as they keep healthcare and other necessary services available. For this, we are all enormously appreciative.

Most people are doing their part, but unfortunately, there are still some who are not following the guidelines which experts say are critical to slowing the spread of the virus. Staying home – except for outdoor exercise and needed trips to the drug and grocery store feels extreme. It’s uncomfortable. It’s far removed from the freedoms people normally enjoy. Yet, it’s absolutely essential to follow the guidelines to flatten the curve.

Aggressive actions like closing restaurants and bars and issuing stay-at-home mandates are working to slow the spread and prevent hospitals from being completely overwhelmed. Staying home equals saving lives.

Evidence suggests the virus hasn’t yet reached its peak, which means the number of cases will continue to rise in the coming weeks. There may be times when it seems like all of this sacrifice isn’t making a difference (it definitely is). The combination of facts and uncertainty yields only one actionable direction: stay the course.

Do It For Your Family

Consider it a kindness you are doing for others. It’s well known that coronavirus is exceptionally contagious and that even people with no symptoms can spread it around. It’s also particularly deadly to those over 60, and it’s affecting younger people too. This virus is insidious and tricky. You may not be worried about yourself, but by being out in public unnecessarily, you could be picking up the virus and bringing it home to your family or carrying it to your (or someone else’s) grandparents.

You might think that one unnecessary trip to the store or sneaking off to a friend’s house for a drink is not a big deal. But every encounter with others is a risk that undermines all the efforts everyone has been undertaking. You don’t know where your friend has been or who they’ve encountered – you could be bringing home the virus to your spouse, kids and other family members. Setting up a happy hour or dinner with friends via video chat can boost your spirits, almost as if you were there in person.

Respect Those on the Front Line

Before you venture out, remember the doctors, nurses, other healthcare professionals and first responders working hard to help others. Think of the grocery store workers putting in long hours. They are all out there putting their lives on the line to help others. By social distancing and staying home, you’re not adding to their already considerable burden, and you are showing respect for their sacrifices by not inadvertently spreading the virus or becoming sick and needing their services yourself. 

Be a Part of Something Bigger than Yourself

By complying with the stay-at-home orders that now cover most of the country, you are contributing to a global effort. You are doing your part to minimize death and suffering. Actor Kevin Bacon started a social media campaign that everyone can relate to based on one simple question: “Who are you staying home for?” Check out who’s on board with #IStayHomeFor and show your solidarity.

Focus On What You Can Do

You can still go outside or go for a walk (keeping at least 6 feet away from others). Exercise is still an option. There are countless free online resources to help you do whatever kind of workout you prefer. You can communicate with family and friends virtually or on social media. Catch up on all the things you’ve always wanted to do. Read that book, binge watch that series, do projects around the house, learn any number of subjects online. You may never have this kind of time and opportunity again, so make the most of it.

Find the Positives

If you are home surrounded by your family, with a well-stocked pantry, a few extra rolls of toilet paper, TV, Internet access, board games and a few good books, you are incredibly fortunate. This situation won’t last forever so take advantage of the opportunity to invest in family and yourself while weathering this storm. There are not too many times in life when you can be a hero by staying home and binge-watching TV. The action you take now, during this time of crisis, will determine whether you look back with pride or regret. This is your time to shine.

You may also like How to Be a Good Apartment Neighbor in the Age of Social Distancing. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest,  Instagram and Twitter.