March 17, 2020, 3:33 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Reduce contact, maintain distance: This is the only way to curb the spread of the coronavirus. But what does that mean exactly? What is still acceptable, and what is no longer?
Stay home as much as possible: This is currently the most important tip everyone should follow in the fight against the coronavirus. This is also known as social distancing. The idea behind it: The less contact people have with each other, the lower the risk of further spreading the virus SARS-CoV-2. Large gatherings are especially off-limits. Even close personal contacts can become problematic.
An overview of the most important social distancing rules from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA):
What Matters in Social Distancing
Reduce Contacts
Even without strict isolation or quarantine, there are plenty of ways to minimize contact with others. Those who can and are allowed to work from home should do so. Cancel appointments with friends, relatives, and acquaintances, and postpone large birthday or wedding celebrations if possible. Currently, your own car and bicycle are better modes of transportation than buses and trains.
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Plenty of Distance
Contact with others cannot be completely avoided–whether for professional or personal reasons. However, the RKI advises limiting this to a few known individuals so that infections can be traced if necessary. Additional precautions apply: Maintain at least one, preferably two meters of distance, and avoid all greeting rituals like handshakes and hugs. And, of course, always wash your hands thoroughly!
Go Out at Off-Peak Times–or Not at All
If possible, shop outside of peak hours, when supermarkets or pharmacies are less crowded. The BZgA generally advises against visiting restaurants and cafes, many of which are closed anyway. The same goes for all public places with crowds, from sports fields or playgrounds to shopping centers.
Care for Children Separately
With daycares and schools closed and parents working from home, it might seem logical to care for children together, allowing some parents to work in peace. However, the German Society for Infectious Diseases (DGI) strongly advises against this–especially if the care group has constantly changing members. If at all, private daycares should consist of very few and always the same children and parents.
Support Those at Risk
Avoiding human contact is even more crucial for those in risk groups, particularly the elderly and chronically ill. At the same time, these individuals are most restricted in their mobility. If possible, offer them help with shopping and errands.
It’s important that helpers and at-risk patients have no direct contact, says Prof. John Ziebuhr, head of the Institute of Medical Virology at the University of Giessen. It’s best to organize shopping by phone and simply leave the bags at the door. Infection through this method–such as via money or the handle of a bag–is unlikely.
Fresh Air
Sunlight and oxygen remain important. After all, they benefit both physical and mental health, which is also significant. Virologist Christian Drosten advises continuing to go outside–but with caution. “It’s not the case that you get infected while walking if you pass by someone,” he said Friday (March 13) in his NDR podcast.
However, especially here, distance is crucial. If you want to run, it’s best to do it alone–not with your running group. And if you want to read your newspaper in the sun, find a secluded park bench.