WHO recommends 'physical distancing' instead of 'social distancing'
The coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 is not showing signs of stopping yet. And as the pandemic continues to engulf the world, people are still advised to practice “social distancing.”
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However, the term “social distancing” that is already widely used was recently addressed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as there is a better way to call it - physical distancing.
In a press briefing held March 20 at the WHO Headquarters, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove said that although it is essential to keep physical distance from people to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, “it doesn't mean that socially we have to disconnect from our loved ones, from our family.”
Thus, the WHO is changing "social distancing" to "physical distancing" because it still wants people to remain connected.
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Dr. Van Kerkhove also explained that technology can help everyone keep socially connected with their loved ones without physical interaction.
“So find ways to do that, find ways through the internet and through different social media to remain connected,” she suggested. “Because your mental health going through this is just as important as your physical health.”
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According to the WHO, the coronavirus cases has increased to almost 400,000 and over 16,000 deaths recorded worldwide as of March 24.
If you want to be part of GMA's efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19, visit the Kapuso Foundation.