Doctor recommended: Social distancing

Health experts advocate social distancing as a series of actions to slow down the spread of infectious illness by limiting physical contact.

Dr Weekes told Barbados TODAY: “Avoid handshaking, kissing and hugging, those kinds of things.

“We can definitely start practising social distancing now.

“The good thing is that we are still in Phase One [of the national COVID-19 preparedness plan], according to what they have told us so far, but now is definitely a good time to start social distancing.”

Dr Weekes explained that in keeping with World Health Organisation guidelines, one metre (three feet) is the recommended distance.

She cautioned: “if you notice that somebody has active symptoms like somebody is actually coughing and that kind of thing, WHO

“Even in a regular circumstance, try to give yourself like a good one foot, two feet distance even if the person does not have symptoms, try not to touch people directly.”

The highly contagious COVID-19 virus has to date has infected 218,768 people worldwide, causing some 8,945 deaths.

The respiratory virus is spread in tiny droplets released from the nose and mouth of an infected person as they cough or touch surfaces.

Dr Weekes acknowledges that Barbadians, who have long functioned in a friendly, engaging culture where touching is the norm. are in for a major lifestyle change.

But she noted that respectful social distancing works and is key to limiting the spread of the illness.

She said: “Based on what we know about how the coronavirus spreads, by droplets, social distancing can reduce the risk, it is not a 100 per cent foolproof, but anything that we can do to reduce risk of transmission is a good thing.

“Until this situation quiets down significantly this will have to be our new normal.”

She advised that the practice should be adhered to even at home, workplaces and in schools.

Dr Weekes said: Social distancing can reduce the spread of germs if you are at home. So practice good hand hygiene; if you have to sneeze and cough – and this is in general – sneeze and cough in your flexed elbow versus into your hand.

“If you use atissue discard the tissue as soon as you use it. Even while you are home, avoid the same handshaking and kissing and hugging especially if

She urges that where an ill patient may be recovering at home, that care should be limited to one and the number of caretakers should be minimized.

With respect to workplaces, Dr Weekes stressed that sickness should not be allowed in the work environment and she recommended that business places start to tweak aspects of their operations.

Dr Weekes said: “Don’t handshake at work if you are going to be having meetings. If there is a group of people that need to get together for any reason try to consider a video call or a conference call; versus having a large meeting and then if you are going to be having an essential large meeting you can consider doing it outside in the open air as much as possible.”

The medical practitioner insisted on the need for proper hand hygiene. She suggested that businesses should ensure that staff have access to hand sanitizer and that someone is assigned to clean and disinfect the surfaces that people touch regularly.

“So like doorknobs have somebody assigned to clean those throughout the day.” said the GP.

With respect to schools, Dr Weekes appealed to parents to ensure their children are sanitising or washing their hands regularly to reduce the risk of illness.
sandydeane@barbadostoday.bb