What the health experts mean by ‘social distancing’

As the number of COVID-19 cases in Canada continues to grow, public health officials are using phrases like social distancing and self-monitoring to describe how people can protect themselves and those around them.

But what exactly do these terms mean and what do they look like practically? Here is a breakdown:

SOCIAL DISTANCING

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), social distancing means keeping at least one metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. This means getting rid of handshakes and hugs. Keeping that one metre distance gives enough space to prevent you from potentially breathing in any tiny droplets released by a person’s cough or sneeze.

The provincial government also announced a ban on public gatherings of more than 250 people, which will take effect on Monday as a means of social distancing.

SELF-MONITORING

The provincial government is requiring all travellers to self-monitor for 14 days after returning to Saskatchewan or after they are exposed to a person infected with COVID -19.

Self-monitoring is closely watching yourself for any symptoms, particularly coughing and difficulty breathing. It is recommended you take your temperature twice each day to check for fever and keep track of your symptoms and temperature over the 14 days. You can go to work or school, but are discouraged from going to crowded public spaces or visiting vulnerable people (seniors, people with underlying health conditions and those with a compromised immune system).

If you develop symptoms while you are self-monitoring, you should self-isolate and call Healthline 811 for direction.

While you are self-monitoring, make sure your home has everything you need for a two week stay in case you develop symptoms, including food and cold medications.

SELF-ISOLATING

The provincial government is requiring travellers coming from any country with a Level 3 travel advisory (China, Iran and Italy, as of Friday afternoon) to self-isolate for 14 days after returning to Saskatchewan. It is also required for anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID -19 and is well enough to stay at home.

Self-isolating is more restrictive than self-monitoring. Isolating means staying at home and avoiding any place where you could potentially pass COVID-19 on to someone else, including work, school, cultural or religious gatherings, public transportation and public places. You should also separate yourself from other people in your household as much as possible.

If you have to leave your home for some reason, you are asked to wear a surgical mask to help keep you from spreading the disease to others.

Stay in isolation until you have been tested for COVID -19 and received your results. If the result is positive, continue to self-isolate until further testing confirms you have gotten over the virus. If you experience severe symptoms, call Healthline.

Since there is currently no approved vaccine for COVID -19, the best way to protect yourself and keep the disease from spreading is to take preventive action. This includes:

Washing your hands often with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if that is not available;

Coughing and sneezing into your elbow; not touching your face with unwashed hands;

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick; avoiding large crowds and practising social distancing.

For more information, read the Government of Saskatchewan’s information sheets at saskhealthauthority.ca.