Social Distancing: Caution without panic, to prevent the spread of disease

Local, State and Federal Governments Recommend ‘Social Distancing’ to decrease the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Massachusetts currently has the 4th highest # of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States. As of March 14th, there were five (confirmed or presumptive) cases in Essex County. The vast majority of those contracting the virus will have mild to moderate cold or flu-like symptoms.Some will have more serious illness. Minimizing spread of the virus and maintaining hand hygiene, other recommendations and healthy lifestyles are important. If you develop symptoms, call your primary care physician. 

‘Social distancing’ means “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.” “Mass gatherings” is defined differently by different states. In the state of Massachusetts, gatherings of 250 or more are currently not recommended. In many instances. Many…