Message from the HPSJ Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lakshmi Dhanvanthari, MD

Social Distancing and Shelter in Place

Social Distancing and Shelter in Place. Now, we are all using those terms. But what do they mean to you, to your family and friends, to others and your community?

Social Distancing

Social Distancing (also called Physical Distancing) is about keeping bodily distance between people who don’t live together. For each person, it means keeping 6 feet of distance (between you and anyone except immediate family) while in public or at your workplace and dodging bodily contact with people who do not share your home. At the community level, it means closing schools and workplaces and canceling events like concerts, shows, and sports. Remember, the person who does not look sick may still be a carrier!

Wrong vs. Right. But one aspect of Social Distancing — to skip gatherings of 10 people or more — has made for a lot of confusion. It has given the sense that while public indoor events are bad, it’s OK to host up to nine people at your home or outside. That is not right! Now all people should limit close contact to only family members, indoors and outdoors. This means no dinner parties or BBQs, no play dates, no birthday parties with a few friends.

Who should do this? ALL PEOPLE!

Why is this important: You can have the virus and not show any symptoms; or you could be mildly sick or very sick. Even if you are not sick you can spread the virus and make others sick. So please keep 6 feet away from others.

Shelter in Place

This means stay home. Do not leave the house unless you must. Don’t mix with people outside your family. Do not go to a friend’s house for dinner or invite a trusted friend over.
During a shelter-in-place order, you are often allowed to go outside for essentials — to pick up groceries or meds — but you should limit those trips to no more than once a week if you can. Be sure to keep 6 feet away from others. People with vital jobs — like in public safety, health care, sanitation, or groceries — can still go to work. And you can visit someone if you are their caregiver. But remember: You still must be 6 feet away from others.

Who should do this?
ALL PEOPLE who live in a place with a shelter-in-place order! – From California and Washington State, to New York. Now, it is vital to keep to yourself as much as possible. This is how we can save lives – from the people we care about, to the healthcare experts who care for us!