People around the world and in Canada are being asked to help halt the spread of the coronavirus, we have frequently been told to practice social distancing.
The idea is to “flatten the curve,” or slow the spread of the virus, decreasing the number of people who get sick at one time and the risk of overwhelming our medical system. In practice, social distancing means avoiding close contact with people who do not live with you, and also public spaces, where surfaces may be contaminated. But, no matter how often we have been given such advice, it can be hard to totally change our habits, and the specific advice about how to behave can be confusing and overwhelming.
It’s important to limit your contact with others, but you can still leave your home, if you need to. If you decide to go out, stay 2 meters (6 ft.) away from others and wash your hands often. Going outside in and of itself doesn’t increase the risk. It is really proximity to other human beings, and specifically to their secretions—their sneezes and droplets.
Things you can do at home:
Work out at home
Read a good book
Listen to music
Clean your home/bedroom
Cook a meal or bake
Watch YouTube or stream a favourite show
Arts & crafts
Nap
Study or do homework
Order takeout
If you have kids, try not to use public facilities like playground structures, as coronavirus can live on plastic and metal for up to three days, and these structures aren't getting regularly cleaned.”
Connect with others:
Check on friends and family members with a text, video-call, or social media
Check on elderly neighbours over phone, email or social media
Share memes and gifs
Play video games
Group video chats
In case you need to know more about this pandemic, BC has created a phone service to provide non-medical information about COVID-19, including the latest information on travel recommendations and social distancing. Information is available in more than 110 languages, 7:30 am – 8 pm at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319) or via text message at 604-630-0300.
If you are concerned you or someone you know might have symptoms of COVID-19, you can use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to help you decide if you need further testing.