The weather is lovely, I’m not sick, so why not frolic outside? Even as cases of coronavirus are spreading, hospitals are truly overwhelmed, and the tragic coronavirus death toll mounts, people in some parts of the country still not practicing social distancing during Covid-19.
While we don’t have a scientific study, the SurvivorNet team was out in various parts of the country over the weekend, and it’s evident not everyone is taking social distancing seriously even in cities with a growing Covid-19 problem. In Philadelphia, we observed a group of people socializing outside of a corner bar, and photos in numerous other places show groups of people visiting parks and other outdoor areas amid better weather.
Read MorePeople hanging out at the Wharf fish markets in DC… NOT practicing #socialdistancing. What are we doing?? Not good…
MORE: https://t.co/jxpSzWZLXi @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/fHv0eMw17g — Annie Yu (@AnnieYuTV) April 4, 2020
Countries including France, the United States, Italy, and others have closed some bars and restaurants to prevent people from spreading Covid-19. However in Sweden, it’s apparently business as usual as the country has not closed restaurants, bars, schools, or other businesses during the outbreak.
Swedish bars, restaurants & schools remain open unlike its neighbors. #COVID19 reproduction numbers are: Sweden [2.47], Norway[0.97] Denmark[1.0], likely reflecting the radically different containment strategies. Not sure why they are trying this approach. https://t.co/SG5J508xjM pic.twitter.com/S5yNnxcksv
— @RobertLufkinMD (@robertlufkinmd) April 5, 2020
Why Social Distancing Matters
Dr. Brieze Keeley Bell, an attending physician at UCSF Medical Center, told SurvivorNet that practicing social distancing is one of the most helpful ways cancer patients and survivors can stay healthy during the coronavirus pandemic. As a result of Covid-19, it has been recommended that patients should take advantage of tele-medicine and consult with doctors over the phone.
On a positive note, social distancing has made communities think of creative ways to show support for those who need it during this uncertain time. In Los Angeles, California, one neighborhood threw 15-year-old Courtney (Coco) Johnson a social distancing parade to celebrate Johnson’s last day of chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma a cancer that grows in the bone or soft tissue and can spread to other parts of the body.
Have you noticed people in your communities not practicing social distancing? Let us know on Twitter at @SurvivorNetTeam
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.