Wandaly Arias

Interpersonal relationships in times of pandemic

I remember the last time I got together with my group of High School friends. It was at the Graduation

party of one of them, there was a great celebration with all his family and friends, where we had a good

time. It was only a few months ago when we went out to eat, with that special person, we went to the

movies, or simply to some park while hanging out without worries of being contagious with this

persistent virus. Something that would have seemed crazy to us like stopping going out unless it was not

necessary for a month or having restrictions on our activities has become something of the day today.

It was also that time where I went to my friend Nathalie´s house. We spent the afternoon making

brownies while talking about so many things that I don’t even remember. If they had told me after that

days everything was going to change, I would have taken more advantage of those moments, perhaps a

stronger hug, or lasting until late with them.

However, to understand the impact of the coronavirus on interpersonal relationships, we must be clear

about the measures that we were all subjected to these months. Social distancing means:

 Do not go out unless necessary. Issues such as buying food, getting medical care, or going for a

walk, or riding a bike alone or with people you live with.

 Close schools, restaurants, shops, cinemas and, theaters, as well as other places where people

gather

 Do not meet in person with friends

 work from home, if possible

 Do not use public transport, including buses, subways, taxis, and do not share the car
The reason for social distancing is that COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact

(within about 6 feet) for an extended period. The spread occurs when an infected person coughs, sneezes,

or talks, and the droplets from their mouth or nose are expelled into the air and end up in the mouth or

nose of close people. These droplets can also be inhaled and enter the lungs. Recent studies indicate that

people who are infected but have no symptoms probably also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.

It could be possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus, and

then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. However, this is not believed to be the main way the virus

spreads. The COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface depending on factors such as sunlight,

humidity, and the type of surface. Social distancing helps limit opportunities to come in contact with

contaminated surfaces and infected people outside the home.

Although the risk of becoming seriously ill can be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread

COVID-19. We all have a role to play in slowing down the spread and protecting ourselves, our family,

and our community.

Nowadays, people have been developing new ways for being in touch or hanging out while there all those

restrictions. The new dates spots are:

 Supermarkets

 Go on drive throughs

 Use apps like Zoom, Skype, Facetime.

 Tinder

 Online shopping is one of the most demanding things these days.

 o To try to keep everybody united, artists are making online lives concerts

Despite the fact that every effort is being made to find a vaccine to help combat this new virus, we must

face the fact that there is a possibility that it will stay on our surface forever. This is why the best way to

restore order is by following the established recommendations.

 Wash your hands frequently

 Use a lot of hand sanitizer

 Always use a mask

 Social distancing