The COVID-19 Pandemic is a global healthcare crisis that requires effort from everyone to help overcome it. The state of Maryland is currently challenged with 10,000 plus cases even with many patients self-quarantining at home and stay-at-home orders from Governor Hogan. 
Social distancing, or the practice of maintaining quarantine and staying away from others, is the most effective way to slow down the spread of COVID-19. Staying at home for prolonged periods has its unique challenges, which is why AFC Urgent Care Edgewater wants to help guide patients on effective social distancing practices. 
Social distancing requires at-home prevention, understanding when you need medical care, and how to keep healthy and safe while at home.

What is social distancing? 

Social distancing is simply the act of keeping space between you and others outside of your home, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Specifically, the CDC recommends that patients should continue to stay six feet away from others outside of their home, avoid gathering in groups, and avoid mass gatherings. 
The CDC also explains that social distancing is especially effective to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The virus can quickly contaminate and spread with little contact from others. Per the CDC: 
“COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.” 
COVID-19 can live on surfaces for many hours, contracted through respiratory droplets,  or inhaled, which means close contact with large groups could spread the virus at a troubling rate. 

Social distancing and medical care 

It is important to remain at home whenever possible and  to leave only for essential supplies or needs. Unless it is for food, medications, or critical health needs, you should remain at home to effectively social distance from others. 
However, getting medical care can be difficult when at home and when trying to avoid contracting, or spreading, COVID-19. Thankfully, AFC Urgent Care Edgewater can provide telemedicine urgent care  directly to patients in their homes.