Information about social distancing and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is flying at all of us at top speed. It’s an intense time, to say the least.

Research on the novel coronavirus is ongoing, in which Shenandoah University Director of Graduate Public Health Programs Michelle Gamber, DrPH, M.A., is playing a part.

Two of the three research articles she’s co-written about COVID-19 have been accepted for publication, with the latest appearing on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

I’ve been collaborating with a public health researcher out of Florida International University in Miami who has colleagues in China conducting research at the epicenter of this outbreak.”

Michelle Gamber, DrPH, M.A.

As a public health researcher engaged in addressing the defining public health concern of our time, Gamber has a few suggestions at the moment regarding social distancing:

What Is Social Distancing?

Social distancing is a public health measure that aims to prevent sick people from coming into close contact with healthy people to reduce opportunities for disease spread.

Why Is Social Distancing Important?

It’s important everyone do their part in practicing social distancing – this is key to slowing down the spread of COVID-19 and reducing the chances of infection among high-risk populations.

By practicing good social distancing, we are also contributing to reducing the burden on the health care system and the risk health care workers face during these times.

How Do I Practice Good Social Distancing?

• Stay home when possible, avoid crowds and public spaces where you cannot distance yourself, and avoid unnecessary travel.
• When out, you should maintain distance (of at least 6 feet) from others.
• Along with physical distance, continue to practice good hygiene habits such as regular and proper hand-washing.

View some creative ideas on how to remain social while practicing social distancing.

We at Shenandoah University hope this helps as you study and work during this unusual time, in which the best way we can help one another is to stay away from each other.

Face Masks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend that members of the general public use cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. The goal of wearing these masks is to attempt to help stem the spread of COVID-19 infections. The commonwealth of Virginia currently requires masks/face coverings in public indoor settings. 

Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings