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StephanieRiann 講師のコラム

Social Distancing - What is it? and Why Canada has gone to extremes.

2020年3月19日

Hello Everyone, 

Todays topic and new vocabulary is social distancing. This has become very enforced in Canada from what I am seeing and hearing on facebook and other social media.  Everyone coming back into the country of Canada from any other country must self-isolate.

Canada defines who should and what self isolation is  as follows:

Self-isolate if you:

  • have no symptoms and
  • may have been exposed to COVID-19 as a result of having been asked to do so by your Public Health Authority
    • travelling outside of Canada within the last 14 days or
    • coming in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19

Self-isolation means to:

  • stay at home
  • monitor yourself for symptoms, even if mild, for 14 days
  • avoid contact with others
If you develop symptoms, even if mild, stay home, avoid other people and contact your Public Health Authority as soon as possible. 

Now, the Canadian government has asked the country to also do social distancing ( keep in mind the population of Canada is about the same as Tokyo and though it is a larger country most people live close to each other in larger populated areas . ) 

Canada has said the following about social distancing:

Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical distance between each other.  Social distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak.  With patience and cooperation, we can all do our part.

Every province in Canada has different measures in place, I`ve heard some provinces are even closing theiry boarders to each other within Canada as a  whole. Why are they taking such exterme measures , because the aging population of people over 65 is larger then those that are younger. My home province of Nova Scotia has an even higher average of elderly. The elderly age 65-80 are caring for the super elderly age 80-100.... so social distancing is important so we don`t have whats happening in Italy start happening in Canada with a smaller population. Though this is causing a lot of finiacial problems for many of my musician friends and small businesses they are getting creative with online lessons, streaming concerts and ordering/ deliverying food or items to homes. 

I`m worried about my family, but I know it`s safer for me and them if I stay in Japan !  As most of my family are over 65 and or immune commpromised. 

What does Social Distancing mean?

This means making changes in your everyday routines in order to minimize close contact with others, including:

  • avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings 
  • avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
  • limiting contact with people at higher risk (e.g. older adults and those in poor health)
  • keeping a distance of at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others, as much as possible
Here’s how you can practice social distancing: 
  • greet with a wave instead of a handshake, a kiss or a hug
  • stay home  as much as possible, including for meals and entertainment
  • shop or take public transportation during off-peak hours
  • conduct virtual meetings 
  • host virtual playdates for your kids 
  • use technology to keep in touch with friends and family

If possible,

  • use food delivery services or online shopping
  • exercise at home or outside
  • work from home
Remember to:
  • wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face
  • cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm
  • avoid touching surfaces people touch often
Living in Japan I am aiming to still follow Canada`s guidlines for social distancing. Though, I can`t stand to be cooped up in the house all the time. So, I try to get out into nature for fresh air and some exercise. Of course I am doing my best to do everything on the list above. 

What do you think of social distancing is Japan or your home country doing enough of it? should we be doing more in Japan or your home country?

How are you getting your exercise ? your groceries? ect... 

Let`s have a chat about your feelings on Social distancing in Japan or your home country. 


My Mother-in-law`s dog Karin, at the top of Mt. Mitake.


This week I went for a hike with my husband and his mum at Mt. Mitake. When we took the cable car of course we wore masks and kept a distance from other people on the car. It`s a fairly big tram. We got great fresh air and kept social distance and his mum is in great shape. Remember social distancing doesn`t mean you should never leave your house. There are many things you can do where there are less people and the ability to keep a good social distance. 


Remember to enjoy the outdoors and your social distancing ! There`s lots of outdoor activities away from highly populated areas! No need to let this virus get us feeling blue! sunshine and fresh air will always do us good! Keep up the happy thoughts, stay safe, stay healthy and be creative in how to enjoy yourself while still social distancing. 

Cheers for now! Looking forward to chatting with you soon!

StephanieRiann 






 

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