What is social distancing—and why are we doing it?

You’ve probably heard the phrase “social distancing.” What does it really mean and why is CDC and WHO urging people to adopt the measure? Social distancing is a mitigation measure or a set of infection control actions intended to stop or slow down the spread of the infectious disease by practicing self-isolation, or by self-quarantine.

As a commonsense precaution to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the objective is to reduce the probability of contact between persons carrying an infection, and others who are not infected, so as to minimize disease transmission, morbidity and ultimately, mortality.

This can be done by reducing the frequency of large gatherings (e.g., assemblies), and limit the number of attendees per gathering. If followed, the measure will prevent community spreads, keep our healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed and eventually flatten the curve.

Below is a video from federal health experts, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Deborah Birx, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams explaining what it means.

What is social distancing—and why are we doing it?

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Deborah Birx, and @Surgeon_General Jerome Adams explain: pic.twitter.com/O2TueXN4W1

— The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) March 17, 2020