I have not found that working from home during COVID-19 associated changes has resulted in a sudden increase in my productivity or motivation. As a person with a lot of interest in human behavior, however, I have found that COVID-19 has given me a lot to think about. I try to use precise and accurate language and I have a particular affinity for well-written work. Some of my heros who I think demonstrate the Super Powers of wise language use include Rex Stout, author of the Nero Wolfe mysteries; 20th c. humor writers S.J. Perleman, Robert Benchley, and James Thurber; Groucho Marx - who both interpreted and rewrote clever lines in his scripts; Charles Dickens, a master of the long sentence and an artist in subtle sarcasm, and many others. I am thinking about language because someone shared a link to this article yesterday: https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-social-distancing-neighbors-family-20200401.html The intent of this piece seems to be to provide information and guidance. But I have a problem with unclear use of "social distancing."
My general understanding is that "social distancing" is used to mean a practice of maintaining what is for most people a larger-than-usual personal space. The most common recommendation I have heard is to allow 6 feet between or among people. This seems like a logical practice and, when accompanied by other good habits like staying home when ill, using a face cover, and covering one's mouth when sneezing and coughing, comprises a sensible risk protection strategy. But as I read the linked article, I found some references to things that sounded like violations of social distancing, including purposely being close to other people, although other criticized practices included dog walking, and allowing your children to play outside - with each other - while their parents work inside. What I see in this is another example of people failing to distinguish among multiple recommendations and restrictions that apply in various areas. I know that in Ohio, Governor DeWine has instituted a "stay at home" order. Exceptions are travel for essential reasons, such as getting groceries or seeking necessary healthcare, and going outdoors for exercise as long as the 6 foot recmmendation is followed. Although select facilities have closed, such as the Hocking Hills State Park that has narrow, two-way trails and some golf courses - these closures have occurred primarily because it is difficult or impossible to maintain the 6 foot distance. Nowhere in Ohio to my knowledge are people being told they cannot go outside. I assume even people who have COVID-19 can retrieve their mail (wearing a mask and gloves, hopefully). But dog walking and kids playing in yards, subject to the 6 foot rule, are among the leisure behaviors that are not prohibited. I am aware that some communities, states, and even countries have stricter rules. But these rules are not explicitly about social distancing so much as they are about differently defined "stay at home" orders - such as those with no exceptions or those that prescribe a limited allowable distance of travel, such as 100 meters from one's home. Other orders may refer not to "stay at home" but instead isolation or even quarantine - which are conceptually different from each other and different from "stay at home." In fact, the basic definition of "stay at home" seems to be "do not go to work or school." When most people follow this order, there are not a lot of other alternatives, because few people are going to work, so few places are open. Unfortunately, when authors or the experts they cite do not clearly distinguish among the many levels of restrictions - that vary from quarantine to no restrictions, and include circumstances when the focus is on distance between people - then people continue to be confused about what they are allowed to do. I have seen a lot of casual conversations about exercising inside, and even been asked how I am coping (I am a pretty dedicated recreational multi-sport athlete) and been confused by this based on the content and intent of the Ohio "stay at home" order. To the question: "How are you copingi with exercising inside?" my response is usually: "I'm not exercising inside. The roads and trails are open and I do my best to get out early and avoid the larger than average number of people out there." Frankly, weather permitting, bicycling alone, or non-draft riding - which my partner and I practice nearly all of the time - is facilitated by circumstances like these that reduce some of the vehicle traffic. It is just sort of sad that people seem to be confusing the idea of keeping your distance with a ban on leaving the house. Photo: what you do inside when it is nasty outside - Jack Kane custom painted Schwinn Peloton Pro carbon frame, built up by me with a mix of parts, including Easton EA 50 wheels, mounted on a Wahoo Kickr Snap smart trainer. In the background you can see a little bit of a Giant TCR Advanced, stock paint job, also built by me with Shimano Ultegra groupset and Easton EA 90 wheelset.
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AuthorI am Sheryl L. Chatfield, Ph.D, C.T.R.S. I am a member of the faculty in the College of Public Health at Kent State University. I also Co-coordinate the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research and I am a member of the Design Innovation Team at Kent State. Archives
February 2024
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