By Crystal Malchose, PIO Pottawatomie CountyThis is an informational feature supported by the Pottawatomie County Commission to assist in providing educational information regarding the COVID-19 virus to citizens.The pandemic can seem overwhelming, but in truth, each of us can help slow the spread of COVID-19. By doing our part through social distancing, washing our hands, and wearing a mask, we can make a big difference in our health and that of others around us. “All things considered, it's a pretty light lift to help keep our businesses and schools open and those most vulnerable among us safe,” said Michael Bomberger, chair of the Northeast Kansas HealthCare Coalition and director of the Community HealthCare System St. Marys Family Health Center.SOCIAL DISTANCING. As part of the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, maintaining “social distancing” is recommended. What exactly is social distancing? How does it work? Why should I do it?Dr. Nicholas Cahoj from the Community HealthCare System Westmoreland Clinic took the time to answer our questions.1. Why is social distancing important? How does it help slow or stop the spread of COVID-19?Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths and noses of people nearby. "Social distancing," or physical distancing, keeps a safe space between you and someone who may be infected with COVID-19. The farther you are from the source of the respiratory droplets, the less likely you will be infected with COVID-19.2. Why was 6 feet chosen as the distance to maintain? Do we have evidence that it truly helps?Observational studies have evaluated the relationship between physical distance and transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 as well as similar coronaviruses. The infection rate was higher with contact within three feet compared with contact beyond that distance. A distance more than six feet was associated with further reduction in transmission.3. What resources do you recommend for readers who are interested in finding more information?Follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). You can find more information on their websites at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html and https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov

COVID Corner