While the whole world has been addressing to practice Social Distancing, World Health Organization decided to shift to a more proper term called, Physical Distancing. Dr. Margaret Harris first used the term Physical Distancing as one of the measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission last March 20 on a WHO press briefing.

As in the current context, Social Distancing is referred to as staying at least 6 feet away to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. However, according to a Northeastern University professor of Political Science and Public Policy said that the term can come off misleading and counterproductive. Then, WHO started to independently shift the term to Physical Distancing, with WHO epidemiologist, Maria Van Kerkhove, saying that the changing of the term is on purpose because to practice Physical Distancing is to avoid contact but still remaining connected.

“We're changing to say physical distance and that's on purpose because we want people to still remain connected. So find ways to do that, find ways through the internet and through different social media to remain connected because your mental health going through this is just as important as your physical health.” – Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove

Here are ways to practice Physical Distancing

1. Avoid mass gatherings
2. Avoid common greetings, such as handshakes by greeting with a wave or bow instead.
3. Limit contact with people at higher risk
4. Keep a distance of at least 2 arm lengths from others, as much as possible.
5. Conduct virtual meetings
6. Use social media to connect with your friends and family

Staying connected is one way to get through the crisis. We are #InThisTogether.