Get Familiar with the Terms for ‘Staying at Home’
For weeks now, people around the world have been coming to terms with the need for social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic. While countries have been grappling on the best ways to keep their people safe, one of the magnanimous solutions is for people to ‘stay at home’. Millions of people are being advised or even required to self-quarantine at home as governments across the globe close non-essential businesses. The move to lock down cities to entire countries is part of the global attempt to stem the spread of COVID-19.
What are the limitations of the directives? Will the police prevent you from leaving the house? What are the places you can go to? What should you avoid? And what are the measures you can take to protect yourself when you leave the house? The rules, definitions and restrictions may differ depending on where you live. But in general, restrictions are getting tighter and the entire world is bracing itself for the impact of COVID-19.
Some terminologies to keep in mind
Shelter in place
This is a fairly restrictive directive that tells people to stay at home and only go out to do necessary errands such as going to the grocery store for food or for seeing a doctor for an appointment. You can still do some recreational activities such as going on runs or walks while practicing social distancing. You can also drive for essential services but driving around for fun is not an option. Many businesses such a gyms, and movie theaters remain closed. There is no police enforcement for shelter in place in some regions, but you can be fined or imprisoned if you don’t comply.
Quarantine
A quarantine is used to stop the spread of contagious diseases. It separates and restricts people who do not exhibit symptoms but were exposed to the illness. Quarantines keep people away so they don’t unknowingly infect others.
Isolation
Isolation separates the sick, potentially infectious people from the healthy ones. While isolation serves the same purpose as quarantine, it is observed by those who are already sick. In general, it keeps already infected people from the healthy to prevent the virus from spreading.
Social Distancing
Social distancing is a deliberate increase in the physical space between person to person to avoid spreading an illness. Staying at least six feet away from other people will lessen your chances of catching the virus. Examples of social distancing include cancelling events and gatherings that are likely to draw people into close contact with each other.
Lockdown
Lockdown is a term used to restrict operations of businesses, companies, transportation, and movement of people. Many countries have mandated their citizens to stay at home and at times with the help of law enforcement.
Coming together in Flattening the curve
Flattening the curve is using protective practices to slow the rate of COVID-19 infection so hospitals have room, supplies, and doctors for all of the patients who need care. With medical staff being heralded as front liners, we all ask how we can help to end the war against COVID-19. The first step to flatten the curve is to stay at home.
KCP International is aware of the worldwide concern about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its possible effects on its community. For more KCP updates, visit ‘current events’. Rest assured, the safety of our students, faculty and staff are a top priority.
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