Physical Distancing and Mask-Wearing Are Essential to Curb the Virus

As the United States approaches one year of living during the coronavirus pandemic, there is optimism that we are nearing the end as vaccines become distributed and more readily available. However, it will take some time for the country in the entire world to reach herd immunity. Because of this extended period of time, people are going to need to practice patience and good health and safety measures to continue to eliminate the spread of the virus in order and protect others.

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., National Institute of Allergy and Infection Diseases Director, has spent the better part of the last year repeatedly discussing the health and safety measures that need to be taken by everyday citizens. Although these measures have not changed, they still need to be followed and taken as seriously as they were on day one of the pandemic. But by following these measures, we can anticipate a quicker return to normality.

Keeping Socially Distant is the Best Way to Contain the Spread

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Dr. Fauci and other medical advisors have repeated how essential it is to keep at least six feet apart from other people while wearing a mask.

“The minimal thing that you should do is the kind of things that we've been talking about constantly: wearing a mask, maintaining six feet of distance, avoiding crowds,” Fauci said.

“If you keep physical distance, if you're in a bakery and you're open, and therefore you have to be physically close, wearing a mask is something everyone should do ... and you should ask it of your customers to also do that," Fauci said.

Don’t Count on State Regulations – Take Control of Your Own Safety

“Our society, from the beginning of the founding fathers, is a Federalist society in which the States have certain prerogatives and powers and responsibilities, “ Fauci said. “I can say as a public health official that I would urge the leaders, the local political and other leaders in States and cities and towns to be as forceful as possible in getting your citizenry to wear masks.”

“Masks are important as part of the physical distance, physical distancing is the most important, but practically when you're living your life and trying to open up the country, you are going to come into contact with people," Fauci added. "And for that reason, we know that masks are really important and we should be using them. Everyone.”