Hilltoppers,

 

I know we are all hearing a lot about Social Distancing right now and it’s imperative we understand what it means, and why it’s so important. Social Distancing is an extremely effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19, but it must be practiced both at work and in our personal lives. Social Distancing not only protects our health, but the health and safety of everyone we come in contact with.

 

What is Social Distancing?

The basic idea is to deliberately increase the physical space, ideally 6 feet between people to avoid spreading illness. That’s why public events have been canceled or postponed, schools are on hiatus, and people are being asked to stay home except for essential activities. While at work, this could look like keeping an extra chair between you and a coworker during meetings, or being aware of spatial distances when chatting in the hallway or in a breakroom. It’s equally important to practice Social Distancing when not on the clock. This means keeping space between you and others while waiting in lines, shopping at the grocery store, or giving an extra wide berth while passing on a trail or sidewalk. In addition, eliminating social gatherings in person altogether is recommended at this time.

 

Why is Social Distancing Important?

If we are all conscious of Social Distancing, the COVID-19 virus will have a limited ability to spread from person to person. This will keep you, your family, and our clients as healthy as possible as this runs its course. The graphic below illustrates the impact from infections by slowing the spread of COVID-19:

 

What are Essential Activities?

Here’s another term that has been thrown around lately. Essential activities are defined as things to keep you safe and healthy like going to the doctor, pharmacy, grocery store, or getting some Colorado fresh air, all while still maintaining Social Distancing. The work we do here at Hilltop for our clients and our community falls within the scope of essential activities. Just one more reason why practicing Social Distancing in all aspects of our lives is of utmost importance.

 

Social distancing is empowering, because it is a practical action each one of us can do to help.

As always: we got this,

 

Mike