The COVID-19 virus continues to provide immense challenges for communities across Denver and the state of Colorado as a whole. Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control indicate that nearly 800,000 people in the United States have COVID-19 with numbers steadily climbing. However, efforts from local communities to maintain at-home quarantine and social distancing are key to slowing down the spread of coronavirus.

In the state of Colorado, COVID-19 cases are now eclipsing 10,000 and nearly 50,000 people have been tested for the virus. In Denver county, over 2,000 cases are present across the greater Denver Metropolitan area. Since the virus can spread so quickly in local communities it is imperative that patients should continue social distancing. Effective social distancing activity allows our local providers to address the needs of the most vulnerable patients and ensure that we can return to some sense of normalcy once the major outbreak in the state is close to ending.

But it takes a lot of personal sacrifice for families, individuals, and community members to maintain social distancing guidelines. Below, we've complied both clinical and wellness-related resources to help patients stay entertained and safe while in quarantine.

Social distancing basics for reducing spread of COVID-19

The CDC explains that there are a variety of personal safety measures in order to help reduce COVID-19 through social distancings. Many patients may think that social distancing is simply keeping away from large crowds and others, but there is a lot more that goes into. Effective social distancing is easy with just a few guidelines and tips to remember. Per the CDC:

• Follow guidance from authorities where you live.
• If you need to shop for food or medicine at the grocery store or pharmacy, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
  • Use mail-order for medications, if possible.
  • Consider a grocery delivery service.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, including when you have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store.
    • Stay at least 6 feet between yourself and others, even when you wear a face covering.

• Avoid large and small gatherings in private places and public spaces, such a friend’s house, parks, restaurants, shops, or any other place. This advice applies to people of any age, including teens and younger adults. Children should not have in-person playdates while school is out. To help maintain social connections while social distancing, learn tips to keep children healthy while school’s out.
• Work from home when possible.
• If possible, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.
• If you are a student or parent, talk to your school about options for digital/distance learning.

Stay connected while staying away. It is very important to stay in touch with friends and family that don’t live in your home. Call, video chat, or stay connected using social media. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can be difficult.

The most important goal of social distancing is to remain connected to loved ones, while juggling the responsibility of staying in your homes. Social distancing will naturally make patients want to partake in outdoor activities, continue hobbies, meet family, and socialize with friends. However, it is crucial to remain at home. That is why we have a list of some activities that can help patients stay at home while remaining entertained and connected with loved ones.

How to make social distancing fun, entertaining, and a bit easier

Social distancing is taxing when you can't physically visit your friends, family, and colleagues. But there are a few things that you can do to make social distancing less stale, and even fun, through a few techniques.

Digital streaming services can provide a wide range of shows and movies that you haven't had a chance to watch yet. Additionally, streaming services like Zoom, Facebook stream, Periscope, and others allow you to connect with friends and family through video chat. But if you're starting to get fatigued by overuse of electronics, there are other activities that you get started with to make quarantine more interesting! A great place to start includes these options from USA Today, which detail some general ideas for new activities, wellness routines, and other interesting ideas:

• Start writing: it can be simple short form writing, poetry, or something more substantial if you have a big idea.
• Build a puzzle, or a few, if you have any around your home. Try other puzzles like crosswords, Sudoku, and similar brain teasers
• Read a new book or re-read some of your favorite books
• Begin a simple exercise routine from your home, or if you can safely leave the house try going for a short run
• Learn a new skill that you haven't considered. Many organizations and community groups host new activity sessions for people to learn on a live stream. Do some research and learn more.
• Bake and/or cook a new recipe

Try telemedicine urgent care for minor symptoms

Social distancing and receiving necessary medical go hand-in-hand through urgent care telemedicine at AFC Urgent Care Denver!  Patients can get treatment and consultation for minor illness symptoms through a video visit with a local provider. All you need is an internet connection to book telemedicine. There is no need to come in and compromise your social distancing when a video visit can help with fever, minor cough, ear/eye infections, and more.

Book an appointment today and ask our providers how they can help you!