By Kareena Dhillon
Executive Opinion Editor
In an effort to flatten the curve, most states have ordered that its citizens follow a “safer at home” order. Life as many of us knew it has since dissipated as restaurants, gyms, and parks close. Music festivals and concerts have been postponed and cancelled, resulting in several online fundraisers to support struggling artists. In light of our new reality citizens should be doing their party by staying home and social distancing.
Social distancing measures were put in place to reduce the amount of coronavirus cases, especially considering people can spread the virus before they know they are sick according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 can remain on a surface for hours and even up to days depending on factors such as humidity and sunlight according to the CDC.
Many officials believe that the reason for such a high number of cases globally is because asymptomatic cases can still transmit the virus. For example, a statistical modeling analysis that appeared in the journal Eurosurveillance indicates that a staggeringly significant number of people who contracted the virus aboard the Diamond Princess remained asymptomatic according to Medical News Today.
Social distancing can only be effective if everyone follows it. Failure to social distance in favor of social interactions completely contradicts being in quarantine in the first place. In fact, self-isolation and quarantine both mean you should have no contact with the public, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
For this reason it is imperative that everyone social distances to protect those who are elderly and immunocompromised. One person can transmit coronavirus to dozens of people if they remain asymptomatic. Put simply, it is not worth it to socially interact or go on unnecessary outings if it means that someone else’s life will now be in danger.
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