social distancing

The Dos and Don’ts of Social Distancing


Global mobility managers and their recruited talents need to know the dos and don’ts of social distancing and how to accurately gauge a safe distance that prevents the possibility of a mutual infection. 

Both have to ask themselves how they can continue sticking by that standard rule during the rare, but unavoidable times that they have to walk to the nearest grocery or step into the residential building’s elevator from their corporate apartment? 

For those who do return to physical offices, those warning circles on the floor now serve as visual aids for taking that step; one step appears like one existential leap nowadays.

Of course, the dos and don’ts of social distancing are inconvenient and will slow down our natural stride in a busy workweek, if we’re not holed up at home walking from our home office table to the fridge. 

Following these rules are actually easy to remember and observe. The battle is in the mind; the effect that social distancing is having on normal activities can seem restrictive that our first impulse may be to restrict it. 

That’s why it is best to remember that this exercise of utmost avoidance of other human beings is for everybody’s welfare: ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbor, and the stranger making a food delivery on our doorstep.

First, let’s take a look at a few dos:

Do keep the six-foot-space guideline

Keeping a distance of six feet from the person next to you is no longer strange. The grocery, supermarket, or pharmacy that you are visiting will not let you forget it. They are putting markers on their floor, especially in the checkout lines, that show whether or not you are six-feet away from the nearby shopper. Practice the six-foot-space distance even when you’re jogging or walking your dog around the block.

Do your shopping outside of peak hours

Every city has its own time when the most number of residents and visitors alike leave their homes to crowd into the grocery or drugstore. In some towns, peak hours are lunch hours. Others see an increase of crowds during the late afternoons. Find out when those peak hours. California Corporate Housing can also give you tips.

And as VeryWellMind advises, do your run of food and pharmaceuticals outside of those time slots. The lines might be shorter, and there just might be enough space in those places for you to shop at a leisurely pace without compromising your physical safety.

Do bring the necessary equipment when you step out of the house

Support your social distancing efforts with the right gear. This is an invisible war fought against an insidious virus, and you must be armed, always. 

Wearing face masks should be par for the course. Put several layers of clothing to make your skin and body less vulnerable to any infected droplet. Bring a hand sanitizer in your pocket or bag everywhere you go. 

Apply it liberally throughout your several stops and after every activity. Picked that box of milk at the supermarket to check its nutrients? Or did you touch an ATM machine longer than usual? Sanitize your hands immediately after. You have no assurance that the people who touched the same things were not carrying the virus.

Now for the don’ts:

Do not visit friends or family members who live outside your homes

Not celebrating birthday celebrations with your friends or chilling out with your best buddy can be a huge emotional sacrifice. 

But avoiding them for now is protecting them. Console yourself with the thought that this crisis will end eventually, making it possible for you to once again do lunch or watch a game together. In the meantime, videoconferencing will have to do.

Maintain a safe distance from the delivery man 

This sounds rude and cold, but again it is just another level of protection for yourself and the delivery person themselves. Just tell the delivery company in advance to have the package placed outside your home. Monitor its arrival through your app. As soon as the delivery person drops the goods and leaves,  bring the package in—and disinfect it immediately.

Do not go to meetings that have more than 10 people

Eleven individuals and above are already exposing you to risk, says Vox. As  much as possible, do all your meetings—professional and personal—online. But if the event requires your physical presence, make it a point to ask the organizer how many individuals will be attending. Make him give you a rough estimate. If you get a number that is more than 10, politely decline. Nobody can fault you for reducing your risks.