Alternative Ways to Say Isolating During the Coronavirus Outbreak
As the coronavirus pandemic has led to widespread recommendations for social distancing and self-isolation, people are using a variety of terms to describe these practices. Here are some alternate words and phrases you may hear in place of "isolating" to talk about limiting contact with others during this public health crisis:
Staying Home/Staying in
One of the most common replacements for "isolating" is saying that someone is "staying home" or "staying in." This simply means remaining at home and avoiding going out in public as much as possible to prevent coronavirus exposure and spread.
"We're staying home this weekend to do our part in social distancing."
Self-Quarantining
"Self-quarantine" refers to separating yourself from others if you have potentially been exposed to the coronavirus or feel unwell, even if you have not received an official quarantine order. It means hunkering down at home for the recommended 14-day quarantine period.
"I'm self-quarantining for two weeks since I was on a plane with someone who tested positive for COVID-19."
Social Distancing
Social distancing is the practice of maintaining physical space between yourself and others when out in public. It involves avoiding crowds, keeping a 6-foot distance from others, and opting for sparse environments versus packed public settings.
"Health experts recommend social distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus."
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing is a term often used interchangeably with social distancing. The focus is on the physical space kept between people.
"Physical distancing guidelines recommend standing at least six feet away from other people."
Sheltering in Place
Some government orders are directing citizens to shelter in place, meaning stay in the home as much as possible except for essential trips out for reasons like buying food, getting medications, and attending medical appointments.
"Does our state's shelter in place order allow us to go on a walk around the neighborhood?"
Locking/Shutting Down
Areas with high rates of coronavirus spread may lock or shut down, requiring residents isolate themselves from others as much as possible by staying home except for critical reasons.
"When will the lockdown be lifted in major cities?"
Imposing Quarantine
When an official quarantine order is imposed on a geographic area, residents are isolated and unable to leave for a period of time, except under special circumstances.
"The building is imposing quarantine after a confirmed COVID-19 exposure."
Why Isolating Is Crucial During a Pandemic
Utilizing words like self-quarantine, social distancing, and staying in is so vital right now because isolating as much as possible slows the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus. Here's why these practices help combat the pandemic:
Limits Disease Transmission
The coronavirus mainly spreads between people through respiratory droplets passed when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks closely with others. Isolating cuts off opportunities for disease transmission via these droplets.
Flattens Infection Curve
Widespread isolation slows the speed at which a virus spreads through a population. This "flattens the curve" of infections, preventing hospitals from getting overwhelmed with patients all at once.
Protects Vulnerable Groups
Isolation and quarantine protocols shield those most vulnerable to COVID-19, like the elderly and those with underlying conditions, from exposure to the disease.
Buys Time
Keeping infection rates low through distancing interventions buys valuable time for health institutions to build capacity and for researchers to develop treatments and vaccines.
Reduces Hardship
The fewer people who get sick, the less strain on healthcare systems and lower the death toll. Widespread isolation mitigates human hardship and suffering.
Tips for Coping With Isolation
While isolating is important for public health, the experience of being separated from society and loved ones for an extended time can take a psychological toll. Here are some strategies to help you cope effectively:
Maintain Social Bonds Virtually
Stay connected with friends and family via phone, text, video chat, and social media. Virtual communication combats feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Simulate a Routine
Follow a regular schedule of waking up, working, breaks, exercise, meals, and bedtime. Maintaining structure provides stability when normal life is disrupted.
Engage in Activities
Fill time with hobbies, learning new skills, exercising, reading, and home projects. Keeping occupied prevents boredom and negative thinking patterns from setting in.
Practice Self-Care
Make self-care a priority by eating healthy foods, getting adequate sleep, avoiding excessive media exposure, and doing calming activities like yoga or meditation.
Get Some Fresh Air
Spend time outdoors walking, gardening, or sitting, maintaining distance from others. Fresh air and sunlight provide physical and mental health benefits.
Share Your Experience
Talk about how you're feeling with loved ones. Sharing validates your experience and helps others not feel alone.
Seek Help If Struggling
Consult mental health professionals if isolation takes a major toll on your wellbeing. Therapists can provide support and teach coping techniques.
Public Health Origins of Isolation
Using isolation and quarantine to contain disease outbreaks has been a public health strategy long before the novel coronavirus emerged. Here is some background on the origins of this approach:
14th Century Bubonic Plague
During the bubonic plague in Europe, the Venetian government isolated ships arriving from plague-affected areas for 40 days, giving rise to the term "quarantine."
19th Century Typhus Outbreaks
New York enforced quarantine measures on ships and isolated individuals during typhus outbreaks in the late 1800s to prevent disease spread via travelers and cargo.
Early 20th Century Flu Pandemic
During the 1918 flu pandemic, some American cities imposed quarantines, closed schools and businesses, and regulated public gatherings to slow infection rates.
Mid-20th Century Polio Epidemics
Isolation of polio patients in hospitals during mid-century outbreaks helped prevent infections. Quarantines were also used for potential contacts.
21st Century SARS Outbreak
Authorities quarantined thousands in Asia and Canada effectively to halt spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003.
Government Authority on Isolation and Quarantine
Public health officials have broad legal authority to enforce isolation and quarantine orders, dating back over a century in U.S. law:
State Police Powers
Under their inherent "police powers," states have the right to enact quarantine and isolation laws to protect public health.
Federal Quarantine Laws
Federal laws empower the CDC to detain and examine individuals arriving in the U.S. and traveling across state lines to prevent communicable disease spread.
Global Health Regulations
Binding International Health Regulations require WHO member countries to implement minimum isolation and quarantine standards for disease control.
Court Rulings
Court precedents like Jacobson v. Massachusetts confirm the constitutionality of mandatory public health measures like quarantine.
Coercive Powers
Governments can use police enforcement or criminal penalties to compel compliance with isolation orders during public health emergencies.
Ethics of Isolation Policies
While isolation can be ethically justified to protect public health, some argue its use raises issues of individual liberty, fairness, and human rights:
Right to Free Movement/Association
Quarantine limits free movement and association, protected civil liberties central to concepts of justice.
Personal Costs
Isolation imposes burdens like job loss, childcare challenges, lack of supplies, and mental strain requiring government redress.
Social Solidarity
Ethicists note that the effectiveness and ethics of isolation hinge on community willingness to make shared sacrifices.
Disparate Impact
Quarantines may disproportionately burden vulnerable groups like the poor and homeless unable to isolate effectively.
Lack of Consent
Isolation policies impose on citizens without individual consent, raising questions about state authority over personal liberty.
The Vital Role of Public Cooperation
While governments can mandate isolation, truly halting an outbreak requires voluntary public cooperation:
Civic Responsibility
Citizens must uphold their duty to protect community health by self-quarantining and social distancing, even at personal cost.
Social Solidarity
People must unite and support each other in shared sacrifices to effectively confront a common threat like a pandemic.
Public Health Ethics
Each person must balance their self-interests with the greater good and make decisions through the lens of public health ethics.
Open Communication
Public health officials need transparent communication about isolation's benefits to secure widespread public buy-in and cooperation.
The Path Forward
As the pandemic progresses, a combination of consistent government protocols and responsible public action will be needed to deploy isolation effectively with ethics and effectiveness balanced. While isolating temporarily disrupts normal life, it remains an essential strategy for getting through the pandemic with health and compassion.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment