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Know the difference between social distancing and self-isolation

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Dubai - Quarantine does not mean complete isolation.

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Published: Thu 19 Mar 2020, 4:31 PM

Last updated: Thu 19 Mar 2020, 7:02 PM

What is the difference between self-isolation? self-quarantine? and social distancing? 

Isolation is the separation of ill persons who have a communicable disease (a communicable disease is one that is spread from one person to another) from those who are healthy, so they can be treated without infecting others.
Quarantine is a restriction of those who may have been exposed to a communicable disease, but do not have a confirmed medical diagnosis to ensure they are not infected. 
Quarantine does not mean complete isolation; however, the following guidelines can be applied:
- Voluntary movement restriction of individuals
- Individuals are provided with all their needs for food and personal belongings. Family members and friends will help them in carrying out daily tasks taking into consideration preventative measures to prevent the spread of infection
- Quarantined persons will be under medical supervision
- The positive aspect of such experiences is having enough time to meditate, read, watch, movies and practice hobbies. 
"Isolation separates sick people with a quarantinable communicable disease from people who are not sick. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick."  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Social-distancing, refers to creating physical distance between people rather than preventing social connection. It is important to connect with colleagues, friends, and family for emotional support - even if you are physically separated from them. Fortunately, this can happen virtually.
Self-observation means people should remain alert for subjective fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. If they feel feverish or develop cough or difficulty breathing during the self-observation period, they should take their temperature, self-isolate, limit contact with others, and seek advice by telephone from a healthcare provider or their local health department to determine whether a medical evaluation is needed.
Self-monitoring means people should monitor themselves for fever by taking their temperatures twice a day and remain alert for a cough or difficulty breathing. If they feel feverish or develop measured fever, cough, or difficulty breathing during the self-monitoring period, they should self-isolate, limit contact with others, and seek advice by telephone from a healthcare provider or their local health department to determine whether a medical evaluation is needed.
According to World Economic Forum, if you are ill, you should self-isolate. If you are at high risk of becoming sick because you were in direct contact with someone who is sick, you should self-quarantine. Lastly, if you have attended an event where someone sitting at the other side of the room later became sick, you should self-monitor.
People may be an asymptomatic carrier, which means that you show no signs of illness, however, you can pass on the virus to others. This is to be distinguished from an incubatory carrier, who transmits pathogens (an umbrella term that includes viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Covid-19 is the disease resulting from the SARS-CoV-2 virus). immediately following infection but prior to developing symptoms.
The meaning of "patient zero" is the first confirmed local case of the disease. Unfortunately, Covid-19 patient zeros can be incubatory or asymptomatic carriers of the pathogens.
Since the current outbreak, there has been widespread commentary from epidemiologists, who measure epidemiological outcomes. These are the disease outcomes relative to the population at risk. When they talk about flattening the curve, they are referring to slowing the spread of the virus through public health measures. Epidemiologists try to predict the outbreak's peak by analyzing when the number of new infections in a single day reaches its highest point, however, it is a difficult task.
Some countries have imposed lockdowns, which is an emergency measure that prevents people from leaving or entering an area (or country). It will mean that borders are closed and people are required to stay at home and self-quarantine.
This has resulted in many people panic-buying or stockpiling groceries, masks and hand-sanitizers. While this is dangerous for healthcare workers who are in need of these items, and unfortunate for the global good if/when it leads to shortages of certain items, it is understandable to want to reasonably prepare for an extended period at home, when illness may prevent you from going shopping.
For support & inquires:
Ministry of Health and Prevention - 80011111
Medical Operations Command Center Abu Dhabi - 8001717
Dubai Health Authority - 800342


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