Social Distancing does not have to mean social isolation
How do you practice social distancing?
(adapted from Ottawa Public Health, Social Distancing)
Social distancing means:
- Staying home as much as possible
- Avoiding non-essential trips in the community
- Connecting with family and friends through technology
- Spending time outside and in settings where people can maintain a 6 feet (2 meters) distance from each other
- Posting messages in your window or on your door to let others know you are ok
- If you have family members living in long-term care homes, retirement homes, supportive housing, hospices and other care settings, visiting only as regulations allow and staying in touch by phone
- If you are still working, talking to your employer about working from home where possible
Please note that these guidelines are not meant to say “you must stay in your home!”
You can still go outside to take a walk, go to the park, or walk your dog. If you need groceries, go to the store. The recommendation is simply that while outside you make sure to avoid crowds and maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 metres) from those around you.
We are in this together
We can all help by keeping in touch by phones and screens with family, friends and neighbours. We can offer to help and ask for help when we need it.
Over the next while, we will be putting out our INFO-FLASH newsletters, like this one, on COVID-19 related topics of interest to seniors.
Stay safe! Even with social distancing, we’re in this together.
