April 22, 2020 Issue, Page 18 of 20

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PG10 A Local Survival Guide, Wednesday, April 22. 2020 Social distancing protocols How to encourage people to avoid crowds, such as those at practice social concerts and sporting events. distancing during a pandemic A: COVID-19 continued to spread * Opt out of group events. Steer clear of across the world, it quickly became events, whether meetings, sports evident that the public would have games, conferences, and other gather- to take drastic measures to slow the ings where large amounts of people congregate together. transmission. In addition to practicing Stick to non-contact greetings. Avoid generalized sanitation and good hygiene, hugs, kisses and handshakes. What to do in the wake people in some of the hardest-hit clusters were advised to take additional, more Substitute a smile, a wave or a bumping of elbows, instead. of canceled events aggressive measures. Quarantines and Practice remote learning. Students who attend large schools, such as high travel restrictions were implemented, and vents have been canceled or postponed across the schools, universities and colleges, can the term “social distancing’ became a E globe in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19. This continue their studies via remote learn- buzzword. ing and virtual classes instead of has caused a disruption to not only commercial gathering in classrooms. events like concerts and sporting events, but personal Social distancing involves people gatherings as well. Any party with a large number of poten- keeping a physical distance from «Work from home. Many companies tial guests has to be reconsidered. This includes graduation are now equipped to allow employees each other during disease out- to work from home all the time or a por- parties, weddings and birthdays. People facing the cancel- lation of such events can follow these guidelines. breaks in order to tion of the time. Businesses can slow transmis- encourage employees to stay home ° Speak to vendors to find out if cancellations can and utilize the internet to get their work occur with no penalties. Many hotels and other travel sion rates. done. services are waiving fees for cancellations, or allowing Social distancing * Stagger commute times. Commuters bookings to be rescheduled at no additional cost. also is employed in urban areas can consider staggering © Try to think of some alternative dates for events like to lessen the work hours so that they help curb weddings and graduation parties as soon as possi- impact of the crowds on public transportation. ble. There is no way to accurately predict the path that Alter shopping schedules. Try to visit COVID-19 will take, nor put a firm date regular life can disease on the stores in the early morning or late at resume, but discussing alternative dates with vendors medical care sys- night when they are less likely to be with whom you're already under contract may put you at tem, which quickly crowded. the top of the list when gatherings are once again can become overwhelmed « Make changes in worship practices. allowed. with a high number of cases presenting Celebrants may have to make modifica- © Reach out to guests to explain that your plans are tions to the way they worship. The in a short period of time. In best-case fluid. Expect that a good portion of guests, even those Catholic Diocese of Trenton, NJ, recent- who already committed to attend, may not be able to scenarios, social distancing also may ly advised all diocesan churches to halt make rescheduled events. Speak with vendors about enable a few people to avoid infection the distribution of the most precious fluctuating headcounts in the wake of COVID-19. until a vaccine is available. blood (wine) from communal chalices; encouraged clergy and eucharistic min- ¢ Be patient and keep an open minded about events. So how can people socially distance isters to sanitize their hands before These are unprecedented times and many people are distributing the eucharist; and parishio- learning as they go. Rescheduling events when the threat themselves? Here are some of the rec- ners to avoid contact during the sign of has subsided may cause a bottleneck effect with service ommendations from the Centers for Peace. providers. Flexibility and patience can help make resched- Disease Control and Prevention, the ule less stressful. Common sense is key to stall disease World Health Organization and other transmission, and social distancing can leading health groups. be an important public health measure.