Physical Distancing Vs. Social Distancing

I think there is a real problem with semantics in the "distancing" program that has been put into place across the globe.  I don't know what terminology they are using in countries with different languages, but in the US, the favored term is social distancing. 

Social Distancing...

I understand the need to keep people apart to reduce the potential for the spread of the COVID 19 virus.  That's an important role for mitigation and "control" over the virus. (I use "control" in parentheses because there is only so much you can do to "control" a virus. My favorite control for a virus is bleach water or 70% alcohol.  Take that you virus!) 

My question is this:  Are we trying to distance people physically? Or socially?  If it's the former, then we have been using the wrong terminology.  We have been sending the wrong message, even if subconsciously.  

Physical Distancing...

The mere act of moving people away from each other does create an element of social distancing.  There is the trepidation of people coming in close contact with each other. In our neighborhood, we have noticed some households that seem to have shut up completely.  Blinds drawn.  Windows closed.  They look like abandoned houses.  On our walks (yes, we still take our dogs for daily walks, but stay the recommended six feet (or more) away from other neighbors who are out) we comment that it is sad that some people have become socially distant and isolated while practicing physical distancing.  And that is not psychologically healthy.   

Perhaps it's time to recognize the impact of this terminology. It's time to change to physical distancing and keep our distance physically, not socially.  

Tools For Social Interaction

There are plenty of tools that can be used for social interaction.  Tools that can help foster social interaction while following physical distancing.  Zoom. The telephone.  Skype.  Facetime.  Email. Texting.  And how about that good old thing called a front porch or a fence?

When I grew up in the '60s, I remember seeing people standing at the fence in their yards ... just talking. Social interaction.  And much to my delight, I have been seeing a lot more of that again.  Yes, they stay the six feet away, but it's nice to see people just talking...for the simple pleasure of the interaction.  And now, with the electronic tools we have, people have the opportunity to "hang over the fence" with others who may be on different continents.

It's all about physical distancing, with social interaction.

Let's keep people socially connected.

Let's not have physical distancing result in social distancing.

Who can YOU contact today and interact with? Maybe it's that neighbor in the shuttered house.