Apply Physical Distancing Right Now!

< Physical distancing or physical restrictions are one of the recommended steps to prevent the spread of Corona virus. Not only when outside the home, the government even recommends that this method is also done when inside the house.

The number of people suffering from Corona virus infection or COVID-19 in Indonesia continues to increase and is increasingly alarming. To reduce the possibility of the spread of the infectious Corona virus, the Indonesian government and the World Health Organization (WHO) encourage people to keep a safe distance from others through physical distancing.

What Is Physical Distancing?

Physical distancing is an attempt to control the spread of Corona virus infection and prevent COVID-19.

When undergoing physical distancing, you are asked not to travel to crowded places, such as malls, restaurants, markets, and gyms, or fitness centers. As much as possible avoid using commuter lines, busways, or other public transportation that is full of passengers.

You also need to limit direct contact, such as shaking hands, and keeping a safe distance of at least 1 meter when interacting with others, especially if the person is sick or is at high risk of being infected with the Corona virus.

In practice, physical distancing can also be done in the following ways:

• Don't leave the house, except for important matters, such as buying basic necessities or getting treatment when you are sick.
• Say hello to other people with a wave of your hand, not by shaking hands.
• Work or study from home.
• Take advantage of mobile phones or video calls to stay connected with relatives and coworkers.
• Do exercise at home, not at a sports center or gym.
• If you want to shop for daily necessities, do it outside of peak hours.

In addition to public places, the government also emphasizes physical distancing in the home. This is because you or someone who looks healthy and doesn't show symptoms of COVID-19 could actually have been infected with the Corona virus and potentially transmit it to others.

Corona virus transmission is more likely to occur in people who have a high risk of contracting the Corona virus, such as the elderly, sufferers of chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as people who have weak immune systems, for example due to cancer or HIV infection.

Is Physical Distancing the Same as Social Distancing?

Previously, this effort to limit distance from others was known as social distancing. However, some time ago, WHO recommended replacing the term with physical distancing.

The reason, the use of the term "social distancing" is feared to be misinterpreted by cutting off communication or social interaction with family and relatives. In fact, social interaction also has an important role in efforts to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

By maintaining communication with others, we can give each other news and encouragement, so that we do not feel lonely, sad, or alienated. These negative feelings can trigger stress and depression, and weaken the immune system.

Besides that, we can also exchange information about how to prevent viruses and the latest situation outside the home.

The government and WHO hope that the replacement of this term can make it easier for the public to understand that the effort needed to prevent the spread of the Corona virus is to maintain a safe physical distance, not to sever social contact.

Physical distancing is essentially effective enough to prevent the spread of the Corona virus. However, this certainly needs to be accompanied by other preventive measures, such as diligently washing hands and strengthening endurance.

To find out how likely you are to be infected with the Corona virus, you can take advantage of the Corona virus risk check feature provided free by Alodokter.

If you have been in a COVID-19 endemic area in the past 14 days and have experienced symptoms of COVID-19 in the form of fever, coughing and shortness of breath, do self-isolation immediately and call the COVID-19 hotline at 119 Ext. 9 for further guidance.

When in doubt, you can chat directly with a doctor on the Alodokter app. Do not go directly to the hospital because the risk of Corona virus transmission in the hospital is quite high. If you really need a direct examination from the doctor, make an appointment to consult with a doctor at the hospital through the Alodokter application so that it can be directed to the nearest doctor who can help you.

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