SM County: Physical Distancing Slows Covid-19 Spread!

12 Feb SM County: Physical Distancing Slows Covid-19 Spread!

San Miguel County Public Health says that least six feet of distance proven to protect transmission of virus through respiratory droplets and aerosols.

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Grace Franklin, County Public Health Director.

Physical distancing, also referred to as social distancing, maintains a safe space between people not from one’s household in order to protect against the transmission of COVID-19. As one of the five commitments, especially when employed with mask wearing and limiting group size, physical distancing has proven effective in limiting transmission

As studied with many other airborne pathogens, such as the flu or the common cold, people spray respiratory droplets of various sizes from their nose and mouth when they cough, sneeze, talk, sing, shout and even breathe heavily. The coronavirus is often found to travel with these particles. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization supports that maintaining at least six feet of distance, which limits close contact with others, limits the risk of transmission.

Six feet of distance is often difficult to eyeball. An adult mountain bike, a three-person sofa, the width of a king-side bed or a sedan or the length of a yoga mat are all about equivalent to six feet.

“As we enter the holiday weekend it is important that we use every tool we have to keep ourselves healthy. Maintaining six feet of distance from others is one of the most effective means of protecting yourself from contracting COVID-19,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “As we come into contact with people more and more throughout the holiday weekend whether at work or on the street, the five commitments supplemented by new Orange Extreme regulations will aid in curbing transmission spikes we’ve seen every holiday.”

Research suggests that infected people could be infectious before – even as much as two days – they develop symptoms and early in their illness. That indicates that people could be infectious before they show any signs that they are sick. In order to minimize risk, Public Health encourages residents and visitors to avoid instances in which six feet or more of physical distance cannot be maintained and to consider outdoor or well-ventilated experiences with their household when in public.

Public Health has confirmed 18 new positive cases of COVID-19 from test results received from February 9 through 11. Of these cases, 17  are confirmed as residents and all actively contagious cases are currently in isolation.

As of 5 pm Thursday, February 11, there have been 788 total COVID cases among residents to date with 45 active cases.

To learn more about the county’s current COVID-19 metrics, please visit the County COVID-19 dashboard.

Five Commitments of Containment:

Wear a mask
Maintain six feet of physical distance
Minimize group size
Wash hands frequently
Stay home when sick and get tested