(CNN Spanish) – In the era of the coronavirus pandemic, governments are implementing measures such as voluntary quarantines, self-isolation, mandatory isolation, curfew, among others. What is the difference and what impact can they have? We explain to you.
Both isolation and quarantine are practices “used to stop or limit the spread of the disease,” explains the United States Department of Health and Social Services (HHS) on its website.
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Isolation
“It is used to separate sick people who have a contagious disease from those who are healthy,” explains HHS.
“For example, hospitals use isolation for patients with infectious tuberculosis,” they add.
Isolation, the Cleveland Clinic explains, is in practical terms the same as quarantine, but is reserved only for those who are ill.
“It keeps infected people away from healthy people to prevent the disease from spreading,” they say on its website.
Many countries have recommended self-isolation to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
Quarantine
It may be the scariest term on the list, and one of the most used these days, but understanding more of this measure will help you rest easy.
“Quarantine is used to separate and restrict the movement of healthy people who may have been exposed to a contagious disease to see if they get sick. These people may have been exposed to a disease and don’t know it, or they may have the disease but not show symptoms, “says HHS.
For approximately 14 days, quarantined persons cannot go to “work, school, or any other public place where they may have contact with others,” according to the Seattle and King County Public Health Department in the state of Washington.
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Now, the laws of each government determine whether or not there can be mandatory quarantines, but there is also the self-quarantine, which is voluntary, and highly recommended for people who may have been exposed.
What to do if you are in quarantine?
The Cleveland Clinic recommends avoiding leaving the house unless absolutely necessary, such as an urgent visit to the doctor. Furthermore, they reiterate the importance of hand hygiene and sneezing and coughing at the elbow crease. Similarly, plates, glasses and silverware should not be shared with other people in the household, says the Cleveland Clinic.
Social distancing
This is another common term in the news around this time. Social distancing implies avoiding being in large groups. “If you have to be around people, stay about 2 meters when possible,” recommends the Cleveland Clinic.
The White House has advised people not to meet in groups of more than 10, a move that other countries have also taken.
Curfew
Several Latin American countries have taken this measure to prevent people from moving around the city after a certain hour, except for reasons of force majeure. In the United States various state governments This is part of the efforts of local and national governments to avoid social gatherings. The recommendation goes especially for restaurants, bars, shopping malls and other meeting places.
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