There is current debate as to whether the expression “Social Distancing” or “Physical Distancing” should be used to prevent the spread of and the fight against the coronavirus.
By Prof. Nol Alembong
My take is that the right expression to use is “Physical Distancing”, in consonance with the thinking of the WHO.
I think “Physical Distancing” is more appropriate because one can be in China, for instance, and your person is in Cameroon and yet both of you are socially very close.
Technology has brought people very close socially more than ever before.
I hear some people even make love on the internet, though it beats my mind how possible this can be. Conversely, even sharing a bedroom does not necessarily mean that one is socially close to whoever.
So, the issue with this COVID-19 pandemic is that physical distancing, self isolation, quarantine, call it what you want, help in abating its spread.
Yes, practices such as the wearing of face marks and the washing of hands are laudable in the fight against the virus.
But it remains to be proven that one needs to wear a face mask in his/her bedroom in order to fight the virus.
Maybe if two of you share a bedroom, yes, for fear the other person stepped out and could come in with the virus.
That’s why the wearing of face masks and physical distancing in offices and public places, among other measures prescribed by the government should continue until the virus is defeated.
Interesting piece. “Physical distancing” seems to be apt with respect to the present circumstances.
Thank you Prof for this insight.
I agree with Prof Alembong. I think the word social indicates relations, companionship, interactions and therefore these relations can be physical, emotional, psychological and so on. What is happening in Covid -19 is a physical distancing only because we still connect in other ways that are social, there are still interactions beyond the physical relations.
YOU ARE right HERE! In the presenting case of this corona virus, they are looking at a more polite way to address the issue to avoid a presentation of STIGMATIZATION.. that may be WHY WHO PREFER THE WORD SOCIAL DISTANCING, TO PESENT A FRIENDLY AND CODIAL ENVIRONMENT. IN SCIENCE WE DON” T SO MUCH BOTHER ABOUT GRAMMAR. WE LOOK FOR HEALING- SOLUTIONS IN AN ACCOMMDATING MANNER. A SITUATION THAT WILL MAKE THE RECIPIENT OR OTHER PERSON FEEL LOVED AND NOT OUTRIGHT REJECTED! GOD BLESS YOU!
Thank you Prof for this eye-opener. I think we actually need Physical Distancing in order to curb this pandemic. Social Distancing is limiting because people restraint from physical distancing yet still socialise, thereby still spreading the virus. When you greet with your elbow for instance, you come so close to each other that you can still breathe or talk into the other person, thereby transmitting the virus. Physical distance will keep you at bay. Well done Prof.