What Does Social Distancing Mean and Why Is It Important?
COM-FSM stopped classes at noon on Monday March 16th 2020 as part of FSM’s efforts to prevent or limit the spread of COVID-19 among our communities. The college has shut down all but essential services as of Friday, March 20, 2020 at 5:00 pm. Everyone’s health and safety is our primary concern during these unusual times.
We strongly encourage everyone – that means you, and especially YOU! - to practice Social Distancing. This means making more physical space between you and other people to avoid the risk of spreading illness.
Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching – or transmitting - COVID-19.
We understand that social distancing practices are extremely challenging in the strong community culture of Micronesia. But the more you learn about and do these practices, the more you prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19 to your loved ones.
YOU CAN SAVE LIVES BY:
- Going out once a week for food shopping and errands, instead of going out many times
- Not sharing food from the same plate, using cutlery instead of your fingers to eat, not sharing drinks - including sakau
- Canceling, postponing, or kindly declining to go to in-person meetings or gatherings
- Working from home instead of at the office
- Visiting loved ones by electronic devices instead of in person – or keeping 6 feet apart if you do meet
- Not going to church or religious gatherings
- Washing your hands properly and more regularly than before
Why?
People can catch COVID-19 from people who have the virus. As of March 24th 2020, the strict travel restrictions imposed early in the FSM have helped contribute to no confirmed cases. Nevertheless, it is possible that someone on-island has the virus, which can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth when a person with COVID-19 coughs or breathes out. These droplets land on objects or surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 2 meters (6 feet) away from a person who is sick.
