When social distancing was still a distant reality, it seemed like it would be the time for introverts to shine. Or a much-needed getaway from our stressful daily routine.
As soon as we started hearing about it, and watching it being applied in other countries, we started imagining what it would be like to have to limit the instances of going out of our homes for prolonged stretches of time.
When the Public Health authorities urged us to practise it, most of us started seeking ways of changing our current lifestyles while maintaining an element of normality.
Yet others are unfortunately still being complacent, something which, as time goes on, and the situation persists, might get even more problematic.
How can we practice social distancing?
- By limiting the instances of going out of our house to work or shopping for necessities.
- By keeping a distance of at least 1 metre from others if you’re going out to run errands.
The COVID19 Malta Facebook Page is pretty adamant about us following certain rules while practising social distancing.
- When spending time in proximity to other individuals is inevitable, there are precautions we can take to ensure our and their safety.
Follow these instructional videos by the Marketing, Communications & Alumni Office for more tips.
New greeting habits
When greeting each other, instead of shaking hands or kissing each other on the cheek, we should instead bump elbows or feet, or even wave.
Check out the Wuhan Shake or the Thai Wai, two other newly popularised greeting habits.
Regular hand-washing
Regular hand-washing is also advised by health experts. But for how long?
A British teenager created a website called Wash Your Lyrics that gives you the possibility of entering the title of a song and automatically generating a poster that matches lyrics to a 13-step washing routine.
If you’re stuck at work, and don’t mind singing it out, think of someone who’s birthday is approaching, and keep washing your hands while you sing Happy Birthday to them.
What has the Maltese community been doing to cope with social distancing?
Maintaining our emotional health and staying connected are becoming huge challenges, but one which the Maltese population is quickly rising to.
Volunteers delivering shopping and medicine to those under quarantine
In this regard, a number of volunteers are collecting and delivering shopping and medicine to those under quarantine. A group of UM Pharmacy students are also devoting their efforts to this.
Quarantine Challenges
The Malta Girl Guides launched The Quarantine Challenge that children can do indoors.
Online figolli baking classes, livestreamed Lenten masses, podcasts on varied subjects and free informative webinars on blockchain and overcoming myths about COVID-19 are just a few other interesting options to keep you busy for some time.
At the supermarket
Most local supermarkets have implemented measures to safeguard their customers’ wellbeing.
Other than offering online shopping facilities, for customers who show up at their premises, there are a number of crowd control security measures being applied.
Body temperatures are being checked at the entrance, only one person per household is allowed inside the supermarkets, clients are to keep 1 metre apart when queueing and only a limited number of clients are allowed in at a time.
Reading and colouring for children
Prof. Gorg Mallia, UM’s Head of Media & Communications within the Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences, has written and illustrated a book aimed for children who are currently stuck at home. This book is available for free on his personal website.
A number of Maltese artists have provided free drawings for children and adults to colour up.
A group of women have set up My Storytime, a Facebook community whereby they livestream daily reading sessions for children of all ages.
What to do if we feel lonely or frustrated?
The European Federation of Psychologists (EFPA) issued a list of things to help overcome feelings of frustration or loneliness, and connect with others in safer ways.
• Use social media to create online groups
• Reconnect with your relatives via video chat
• Have an online party with your friends
• Exercise, exercise, exercise!
• Be generous with those you share a home with
• Choose what to say when connecting
• Catch up with your comedy TV series
• Start writing letters
