Locations:
Search IconSearch

This Is COVID-19 — Not an Extended Spring Break!

Why we need to take social distancing during coronavirus seriously

College student FaceTiming on spring break

As coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be the major story across the globe, you’ve probably heard the phrase “social distancing” quite a bit and with good reason: it’s one of the best preventative measures you can take to protect yourself.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stressed that by “avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible,” you can help slow the spread of the virus.

But with many schools and colleges shut down as a result of the outbreak at the same time as annual Spring Break vacations, families and students may make group outings to the beach or other gathering places to cope with anxiety or to escape self-quarantine for a few hours.

But now, more than ever, infectious disease specialist Alan Taege, MD, says it’s important to fight that temptation and continue practicing isolation. “It may not make for a fun Spring Break, but it’s an essential step in helping curb an outbreak,” Dr. Taege says.

How social-distancing protects you

COVID-19 is likely spread the same way other human coronaviruses, like the cold, are spread:

  • When the virus becomes airborne and travels in respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks near you (within six feet). This is thought to be the main way COVID-19 is spread.
  • From close contact (touching, shaking hands) with an infected person.
  • By touching surfaces that the virus has landed on, then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose before washing your hands.

Advertisement

If you’re spending time on a packed beach or planning tons of sleepovers and playdates for your kids, you’re increasing the risk of infection simply by being around more people.

While social distancing may not be the most fun way to spend a few weeks off from work or school, it’s a necessary measure of protection. Limiting contact with other people limits your potential exposure. It’s why the federal government has recently asked people to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people.

Protecting others

But practicing social distancing also protects others, Dr. Taege notes. Scientists are seeing cases of COVID-19 in people who were infected by individuals who had COVID-19 but were not yet showing symptoms. Just because a person wasn’t visibly sick didn’t mean they didn’t carry the virus and couldn’t pass it to someone else.

This is especially important in protecting those who are more at risk. People over age 50 and those who have heart disease, lung disease or weakened immune systems seem to be more at risk for serious infections that could lead to pneumonia and difficulty breathing.

“By limiting your exposure to others via social distancing, you’re helping to break the chain of spreading the virus in both directions,” Dr. Taege says.

So exactly how far do we have to take social distancing?

Never planned on becoming a recluse? We understand. Dr. Taege says there’s no true, concrete rules on precisely how far we need to take things.

“There’s no magic number of people, or exactly which people,” Dr. Taege says. “But during a time such as this, less is definitely more. It might be OK for your kid to have a sleepover with one friend, if no one in either family is symptomatic and they’ve generally been practicing social distancing to limit any possible exposure.”

While we shouldn’t throw all caution to the wind, we also need to keep our mental health in mind. “As humans, we all depend on interaction with others to keep our sunny dispositions,” he says. “This becomes more important than ever in times of crisis. So, besides staying in close contact by phone and social media, it’s best to make carefully thought out decisions about who you can still see in person.”

At the end of the day, postponing your trip to the beach or that get-together may not seem like the fun way to spend a few weeks, but it can help protect both you and those around you.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person sitting on chair with laptop wearing a face mask, thinking about others who are touching their faces
October 8, 2024/Mental Health
Hands Off! How To Stop Touching Your Face

Face-touching is a common habit, but one that can be overcome, like by learning to recognize when you’re doing it and keeping your hands distracted

Person wearing a mask with a germ symbol on their sweater, walking their dog outside
October 7, 2024/Exercise & Fitness
Is It OK To Exercise With COVID-19?

You can work out with mild COVID-19, but not in a gym, and listen to your body and don’t overdo it

Hand holding nasal swab, pushing it into at-home COVID/flu test vial on counter in bathroom
Got Flu-Like Symptoms? A New At-Home COVID-19 and Flu Test Can Help

This at-home test for COVID-19 and flu can help you figure out what’s causing your symptoms, and how best to treat them

Oversized germs and a giant eye with red in the sclera
August 26, 2024/Eye Care
COVID-19 and Pink Eye Are Possibly Connected

Studies have shown an increase in ophthalmic complications as a symptom of COVID-19

Older woman in bathrobe, holding coffee cup, looking window into the neighborhood
August 13, 2024/Infectious Disease
What Are the COVID-19 Guidelines These Days?

Most people can return to work and regular life when they’re symptom-free for 24 hours

Hand spraying disinfectant cleaner and another hand using disinfectant wipe among germs
August 8, 2024/Infectious Disease
Do Lysol Disinfecting Wipes Kill COVID-19?

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes are just one of more than 500 products approved by the EPA for protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19

Tube of ivermectin paste lying on straw
June 20, 2024/Infectious Disease
Why You Shouldn’t Take Ivermectin for COVID-19

The medication is ineffective and — in the case of animal ivermectin — potentially dangerous

Person coughing into a tissue by window during sunny, summer day
June 4, 2024/Primary Care
Summer Sniffles: Winter Isn’t the Only Time You Can Catch a Cold

Enteroviruses are often to blame for summer colds, leading to a runny nose, sore throat and digestive symptoms

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad