Physical, Not Social Distancing – Looking at the bright side in staying connected

#WeAreAllInThisTogether The experts don’t have many answers. The world is not prepared for this kind of battle and there is no clear end in sight. However, there is much we can do to reduce its impact in our lives and come out stronger than before.

There have been countries who showed it’s possible to contain the spread with tracking technology and aggressive and quick testing like Taiwan and South Korea. However, the rest of the world showed wide limitations to respond like that, and has been forced to use an ancient approach (limiting physical contact) with very different outcomes. The good news is that all countries limiting social physical interaction have seen a slower increase in spread than countries that have not. Therefore, we at least know that staying home and sticking to a quarantine helps in the face of no other certain solution.

We are told to “practice social distancing”. However, here at Idea Translations we believe that the term is very misleading. We should be practicing physical distancing while increasing digital social embracing. Here is something we should be thankful for: we live in the IT era.

Technology is getting us the much-needed interaction and in some cases, like in our case, pretty much allows for business as usual. We are getting loads of hope-filled stories, images of our healthcare heroes, and can see our teachers on our screens so we don’t lose sight of what really matters.

There is more to be thankful for: we are granted a unique opportunity to engage in those widely postponed conversations with our loved ones and practicing solidarity, caring and love but through digital connections.

The question remains: it is clear that physical distancing seems to slow the spread… but what if this is a long-term threat?

Finally, we are seeing countries like China and South Korea, where the curve of infections has flattened although they pretty much didn’t know the extent and power of this enemy. We can make decisions based on their experience. It’s a great advantage over not having this information. The question remains: it is clear that physical distancing seems to slow the spread… but what if this is a long-term threat?

It would be on our own benefit, mental and physical, to assume the Coronavirus crisis will stick for a long time and plan on strategies to keep our lives productive on remote mode and to cope with the mental stress caused by isolation.

Idea Translations can help you find a solution to communicate with communities of limited English remotely. We have robust Video and Telephone Remote interpreting solutions and a state-of-the-art Translation Management System that will simplify, streamline and accelerate the management of your translations. Contact us to learn about our COVID-19 support program.