Newsbrief: Coronavirus changing the rules of social etiquette
by Alison Jankowski
The coronavirus is changing social norms, so keeping one’s distance is now considered the polite thing to do, according to the BBC.
In the past, a sense of comfort could often be found in the human touch. But with the threat of illness upon the country, the human touch is now being seen as the enemy, a potential means in which the virus can spread.
As a result over the past couple of weeks people have learned to do things that once might have been seen as discourteous or even rude. Social distancing of at least six feet apart, not shaking hands or embracing one another are new manners that now need to be learned quickly.
(Photo: BBC)
New routines have been established for normal everyday tasks. Taking meticulous care not to become infected or pass the infection on to others while out in public is now a top priority. Those still working must pay the same attention to everything they touch from door handles to computer keyboards. Everyone is responsible to minimize the risk to ourselves, our family and the community. In a normally prosocial world this has not been an easy task.
To get through this pandemic the country has had to think differently about what working together means in the context of social distancing. “This is the time in your lifetime where your actions will save somebody’s life,” Professor Stephen Powis, Medical director at the National Health Services, said.
The absence of physical touch has caused many people to experience increased levels of stress and feelings of helplessness. By providing accurate information and advice, delivering food and vital supplies to the vulnerable or even a simple phone call or text to those who have needed support and encouragement have been found to be invaluable.
The next few months will test the strength and stamina of our communities. It is unknown how long the virus will last and how it will change social interactions in the future. But for the time being the way everyone behaves during this pandemic will decide the fate of millions of people.
_____________________________________
J1 student Alison Jankowski volunteered to write this newsbrief out of a belief that FPU students deserve good journalism in this time of crisis.
