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By Chantal Wagner

The importance of physical distancing during a pandemic

Mar 25, 2020 | 5:37 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The term social distancing has been used a lot over the past few weeks to help limit the spread of viruses and COVID-19.

But health officials including Dr. Deena Hinshaw Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, are now moving to use the term physical distancing instead.

Physical distancing, means we need to be 2 metres or 6 feet apart from each other when we have to be around other people to limit the spread of viruses or COVID-19.

Stores here in Medicine Hat are taking the necessary precautions to keep their employees and shoppers safe with physical distance.

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In grocery stores like Save on Foods, Co-op, and Costco, plastic shields are up at the tills.

Stores also have tape on the ground to indicate physical distances when waiting in line.

And when paying, stores have signs saying that tap is proffered to limit the use of touching cash.

Executive Director of the Palliser Primary Care Network Treena Klassen says physical distancing guidelines need to be followed even if you are feeling well.

“There’s no way for any of us to know by looking at somebody, whether they are COVID-19 positive or not. The individual may or may not even know that so we just have to assume for the protection of ourselves and for each other and particularity for the vulnerable population that we maintain that physical distancing to try and flatten the bubble of this spread of COVID.”

Klassen, explains there was potentially some misunderstanding with the previous term social distancing.

“People thought that meant all social interaction and that it could cause a sense of social isolation. And certainly, during these trying times, people do need to remain socially connected, just in a physically distant manner.”

She adds if you’re out for a walk and enjoying the outdoors, we need to maintain physical distance guidelines even when outside.