Philadelphia Medicine Summer 2020 - 31
p h i l a m e d s o c .o rg
To theEditor:
letter to the editor
Dear Editor,
Many people now use the phrase "social distancing." "Distancing" seems
necessary for the continuing spread of Covid-19 to be slowed or prevented,
because it appears that person-to-person contact is the primary mechanism of
infection. Furthermore, limiting such contact seems to work, based on Singapore,
South Korea and China. However, the effectiveness of this practice is solely the
result of spatial distancing, and has nothing to do with social separation.
Social contact is a biological need for humans, especially during difficult times.
It may be that one reason for the continuing spread of Covid-19 is that "social
distancing" is too painful to be effectively carried out. Furthermore, it is both
unnecessary and unwise. What is needed is "spatial" separation, that is, keeping
distant physically from other people and other things able to disseminate the
disease. It is disturbing to me that some of those whose words carry great weight
think it is fine to go about "business as usual." The only two ways to end this
pandemic are for everybody to get infected, or to stop spreading the virus. There
are difficult consequences from both choices. Spatial distancing accomplishes the
later and allows strengthening the connections that help make life worth while.
I hope all of us will encourage spatial distancing, but stop advising social
distancing, especially at a time when personal and societal connecting is particularly important. *
George L. Spaeth, BA, MD, FACS, FAAO, FARVO, FRCO-UK, FCOPP
Esposito Research Professor, Wills Eye Hospital/Sidney Kimmel Medical College/
Thomas Jefferson University
Summer 2020 : Philadelphia Medicine 31
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Philadelphia Medicine Summer 2020
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