According to President John Simon's June 10, 2020 announcement, Lehigh University is set to open as scheduled on August 24, 2020 but with many social distancing guidelines in place. The health and safety of Lehigh's community depends on a firm understanding of and adherence to social distancing. The more you can educate yourself on what social distancing truly means, the better!
Social distancing is a term we've all been hearing a lot lately and we want to help break down what exactly that means. The basic principles of social distancing are as follows:
- Stay at least 6 feet from other people
- Do not gather in large groups
- Avoid mass gatherings and crowds
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. 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 or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19. To get a broader understanding of what social distancing entails and why it is beneficial for our community, please click on the graphic below to find out more on the CDC website.
If you find yourself living in shared housing, that can present a more complicated social distancing situation in the midst of a pandemic. Luckily, the CDC has some very helpful advice on how to handle a shared living situation to keep everyone safe. Please view their shared living space advice at the link below: