Importance of Social Distancing in the COVID-19 Pandemic
The recent Coronavirus pandemic has caused havoc all across the globe. Various countries are potentially experiencing their biggest health challenge as the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths are increasing on a daily basis. According to WHO (6th April 2020), more than 62,000 people have died of the COVID-19 illness and over 1,135,000 infection cases have been confirmed in at least 209 countries and territories till date. Italy, United States, Spain, and France are some of the worst affected countries that have reported concerning number of infection cases and deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines COVID-19 as an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered Coronavirus. It is highly contagious in nature and primarily spreads through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Unfortunately, the disease still remains incurable due to the unavailability of proper vaccines and treatments. Thus, the WHO suggests that people should help in preventing and slowing down the transmission of the disease by acknowledging the practice of “social distancing”.
What is social distancing?
Social distancing, also known as physical distancing, is referred to as a set of actions, non-pharmaceutical interventions or measures that are primarily taken to prevent or slow down the spread of a highly contagious disease. Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, the World Health Organization has issued a set global advisories that can safeguard people against the virus exposure. One of the advisories encourages people to practice social distancing and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter or 3 feet from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
As one of the leading LED lighting manufacturers in India, we at Wipro Lighting abide by the guidelines issued by WHO and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Hence, in an attempt to encourage the idea of social distancing, we have advised all our employees to work from home. In addition, we have also taken all the necessary precautionary measures in order to ensure the safety and wellness of both our employees as well as the community.
Social distancing is a significant measure that can slow down the spread of the life-threatening COVID-19 disease. We believe that it is an essential practice that can safeguard everyone against the pandemic. While healthcare providers, researchers and doctors are working endlessly to curb the infection, it is our moral duty to practice social distancing and do our bit in these sensitive times. Thus, we urge people to stay indoors not only for their own safety but also for the safety and wellness of the society.
Stay home, stay safe!