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COVID-19 Social Distancing is Good for You!
Announcements requesting us to shelter in place, stay six feet from others, and wear masks and gloves during the current pandemic have emphasized that we are taking these actions for the common good. They exhort us to protect our fellow citizens by following these new rules. For those who pick up other peoples’ litter, always use their turn signals, or hold doors open for strangers, such admonitions may be enough to encourage social distancing. However, at a time when many are scared and focused on preserving their own lives and livelihoods, it helps to understand that, at this time, it is in our own self interest to minimize contact with other humans.
We have largely framed “flattening the curve” for its social benefits. We should slow the rate of transmission of COVID-19 so that we do not overwhelm our hospitals, medical providers, equipment, or supplies with a surge of patients needing care all at the same time. If we stretch the medical needs over a more prolonged period, we trust that our health care systems will have a better chance to adequately treat a greater proportion of those who become infected and need care.
In addition to the greater good, if you arrive at the hospital at at time that it is less busy, you, as a patient, will have more time with your doctors and nurses, a greater chance that the hospital will be sufficiently…
