Social Distancing

Social Distancing In New York. Help Us By Staying Home.

What is social distancing?

Social distancing means staying home, avoiding crowds and staying at least 6 feet away from others whenever possible.

Why is everyone being asked to practice social distancing?

When someone with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes the small droplets from their nose or mouth can travel 3-6 feet. People can get infected if they breathe in these droplets, or the droplets land on their eyes, nose, or mouth. Although people who are sick with COVID-19 are the most infectious, it is possible that some people may spread the virus before they start to feel unwell.

It is also possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

The less time that we spend within 6 feet of each other, and the fewer people we interact with, the more likely we are to slow the spread of COVID-19.

How do I practice social distancing in New York? 

  • Avoid any places where a lot of people are together such as gatherings, parties, worship services, and crowded parks.
  • Work or study from home, if possible.
  • Do not have visitors over or let your children have playdates.
  • Avoid health care settings – unless you need services.
  • Cancel non-essential health care appointments.
  • Avoid non-essential travel.
  • Avoid public transport, if you can.
  • Avoid close contact with people – instead of shaking hands, come up with other ways to greet people that don’t involve any touching.

If you do have to use public transport, shop, go to work, or participate in other activities, take precautions to reduce the risks, such as:

  • Limit the amount of time you spend in close contact with others.
  • Limit the number of different people you spend time with.
  • Keep as far away from others as possible, especially if they are coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to go to places at times when they are less busy.
  • Avoid touching surfaces in public places, when possible.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly with disinfecting sprays, wipes or common household cleaning products.
  • Clean your hands often, especially

What if I am at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19?

Some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. This includes pregnant women, adults over age 65 and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, or a weakened immune system. If this applies to you, take extra precautions if possible, e.g.:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid caring for children.
  • Stay home as much as possible.
  • If you do go out, avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Avoid any gatherings. Only allow visitors who are providing essential services.
  • Consider ways of getting food and other essential items brought to your door through family, neighbors, or delivery services.

Food and other necessities

  • Go to the store when it is less busy and stock up on essential supplies so that you don’t have to go out as often and keep at least 6 feet away from people as much as you can.
  • Restaurants and cafes cannot offer eat-in dining, but you can still use delivery, drive-thru or carry out as long as everyone practices social distancing as much as possible.

Tips

  • If you order something for delivery, if possible, pay and tip electronically and ask for the item to be left outside your door.
  • Talk to your school or work about options for studying or working remotely.
  • Spend time outdoors – you can hike, walk, or bike if you can stay 6 feet apart from others. Avoid playgrounds, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.
  • Exercise at home or outdoors – as long as you are 6 feet from others.
  • Avoid isolation by using technology and the phone to communicate with friends and family often
  • Take care of one another – check-in by phone with friends, family, and neighbors who are vulnerable to serious illness or have mobility issues. Offer to help, while still following social distance guidelines.
  • If you are sick, call your doctor or dentist before visiting. Check their website or call to find out if they offer telemedicine or phone advice.
  • Stay informed through trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus

Source: publichealth.lacounty.org