COVID-19 : DIFFERENCES BETWEEN QUARANTINE, ISOLATION & DISTANCING

COVID-19 : DIFFERENCES BETWEEN QUARANTINE, ISOLATION AND DISTANCING

Since South Africa will be under lockdown at midnight tonight to combat the spread of COVID-19, it is important to know exactly what is happening and why…. Despite the technological evolution and social media frenzy, some clarity has been needed for those still needed to fully understand the differences between quarantine, isolation and distancing.

Quarantine :
is for people who have been exposed to the virus and do not have any symptoms. Being in self-quarantine does not necessarily mean you have COVID-19 symptoms however it is critical to monitor your health for 14 days and stay away from the public.

Self-isolation :
means that you have already contracted the virus and are showing symptoms. You are isolated to not infect any other individuals.

Social distancing :
is increasing the physical space between yourself and others to avoid the spread of the virus. Social distancing requires maintenance of at least 1 metre between yourself and another individual, especially if the other person is coughing or sneezing.

The intention of these decisive measures is to save millions from infection and death.

Simply put, COVID-19 is the biggest health emergency that needs to be confronted with since the second world war. A simple explanation in simple terms will help young and especially the old, cope with the weeks and months ahead.

This post was inspired, sourced and referenced because of questions posed by a somewhat confused older gentleman in the garden services industry.

Stay safe, stay strong.