Understanding Quarantine, Isolation, and Social Distancing


With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) taking center stage across all media platforms, you are probably getting used to words such as "quarantine" and "self-isolation". But do you really know what these terms mean? Well, according to infectious disease expert, Dr. Steven Gordon, quarantine is not a scary thing. As a matter of fact, it is the most effective way to protect the public. 



So what does quarantine really mean?


Quarantine simply means isolating people who are not sick, do not have symptoms, but may have been exposed to the sickness. Most governments use quarantines to contain the spread of a highly contagious disease. Therefore, if you've been in contact with a person suffering a disease, you are likely to be quarantined to reduce the chances of spreading the disease to others. 

Quarantine is used to control: 

Disease outbreaks- An outbreak happens when there is a sudden surge in the number of cases in a certain disease.

Epidemics- This is similar to an outbreak but happens over a larger geographic location. It can affect an entire continent.

Pandemics- Larger than epidemics in terms of geographical effect. Pandemics affect many people and have a global impact.


What’s the difference between isolation and quarantine?


Isolation is purely for those who are already tested and proven to be sick, while quarantine is for those who are suspected to be sick. However, they all serve the purpose of protecting healthy people from the sick ones. 

Can you be legally quarantined?


Legal quarantine depends on your country of residence. According to the U.S. Constitution, the federal government has the power to use quarantine and isolation to protect the masses. Breaking quarantine might result in a fine or imprisonment.

With that said, government-mandated quarantines are almost non-existent. According to The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, the last large scale imposed quarantine happened in 1918 during the Spanish flu.

Dr. Gordon also says that it is important to listen to the advice of your health professional, even if there are no mandatory quarantine requirements. 



What exactly is “close contact?” 

In the COVID- 19 scenario, close contact refers to being within 6 feet ( 2 meters ) of an infected person. This might include people who live, work, or visit a person suffering from COVID-19. 
Health professionals identify close contacts through " contact tracing". Dr. Gordon says " They will notify you if they think you have been exposed and provide instructions for the next steps." You can reach out to your health department if you think you may be a close contact. 

What happens when you are quarantined?


Quarantine conditions are not the same across all facilities. However, these are the CDC recommended quarantine guidelines:

Make it a staycation: Avoid leaving your home at all conditions, unless it is absolutely paramount. If you are in a quarantine facility, this includes following all the facility guidelines. 

Call ahead: If you are going to visit a health facility, call ahead. This provides the health departments with sufficient time to plan and protect the other patients from contracting the virus.

Worried about Fido? At the moment, there is no proof that companion animals could transmit the coronavirus to humans. However, dogs and other animals that are shared at home could spread, if one member of the family is infected. Avoid snuggling, kissing, and sharing food with pets for precaution.

Have your own stuff: Avoid sharing utensils, toothbrush, towels, clothes and other essentials with pets or people in your home

Wash, rinse, repeat: Lastly, Dr. Gordon insists on the importance of being hygienic. " Hygiene is an integral part of the process. Hygiene is an integral part of this, even at home. Handwashing should be your first defense  even under quarantine"

Other protective measures
Quarantine is not the only way you can keep yourself safe. Dr. Gordon also recommends:

Social distancing: This involves staying away from large gatherings. Keep 6 feet away from people if the gathering is mandatory. " Social distance is pretty much like using common sense", Says Dr. Gordon. 

Wear a cloth face mask: CDC now recommends wearing your mask in public. If you are in a situation where you cannot maintain 6 feet from your neighbor, your best defense is a face mask.

Staying calm: “Fear will probably be knocking at your door every day," says Dr. Gordon. It is normal to experience fear, but being informed from reliable sources should take away most of your fears. Most importantly, avoid hyper fixating on news about the pandemic.

Cooperating with the authorities: All the efforts made by authorities to protect the public can only be effective if you cooperate. If you are required to stay in a quarantine facility, it is in your best interest to cooperate. 

Being isolated from the people we love might be unbearable. However, time will pass and we will go back to our normal lives again. 




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