Page 36 - Regent Digest - Vol 8 Issue 31

MEDICAL CORNER
P A G E 3 6
SOCIAL DISTANCING IN A LARGE FAMILY

Merging households has always helped families get
through times of transition like this. But large households 4. Stay virtually connected
are being challenged in new ways during the coronavirus Right now, families are limiting events and visiting
pandemic due to stay-at-home orders that are being extended family until the crisis is over. That doesn’t
enforced. mean, however, that you can no longer communicate with
them. Utilise digital communication as much as possible
Because of the social distancing measure, families can’t to keep you socially connected with friends and family.
easily separate children from older family members in the You could, for example, schedule a video call with
home. grandparents.

But there are some measures you can take to make the
transition easier.
5. Take extra safety measures for vulnerable family
1. Establish a routine members
Families have been forced to shift their daily routines While it hasn’t been found that COVID-19 adversely
while socially isolating. Putting a new routine in place affects younger people and infants, there is a higher risk
will eventually help you adjust to these changes and keep for the elderly, pregnant women and those with serious
the new situation from being overwhelming. illnesses who are more at danger of severe symptoms if
they get the virus.
2. Maintain distance and hygiene habits while in If you have family members in your household who are
public more vulnerable to COVID-19, restrict their time in
While making grocery shopping trips, maintain social public as much as possible.
distancing measures by staying at least six feet apart from
other people and wash your hands regularly. Also, make 6. Watch for and address negative coping
an effort to avoid crowded places as much as you can. mechanisms.

3. Go outside Some of you may have a harder time than others while
Although it’s advised to avoid any form of social socially isolating. You might withdraw from others, lash
gathering, getting some fresh air can do wonders for out at family members, or turn to other harmful ways to
morale and be a great way to maintain physical and cope with what’s going on. Recognise and discuss the
mental health. It also alleviates potential claustrophobia pain behind what you are feeling, and be open to find
that may occur while spending lots of time with family in positive ways to cope instead.
close quarters.
Respect Responsibility Resourcefulness

T H E R E G E N T D I G E S T VOLUME 8 ISSUE 31