5 important questions about life during the coronavirus epidemic

1. What exactly does social distancing mean?

We have all heard that it is necessary to limit contact with people. But how much exactly? Is it okay to go for a walk with a friend if you have no symptoms and at the same time you will be two meters away from each other? Is it safe to invite a couple of guests home if you have definitely not been in contact with carriers of the virus?

To answer such questions, it is worth remembering that the new coronavirus is highly contagious and is carried even by those who themselves have no symptoms. Because of this, its spread is more difficult to control and requires strict self-isolation measures. There is no way to be sure that you will not carry the virus and pass it on to a more vulnerable person.

Therefore, no matter how categorical it sounds, social distancing is primarily about creating physical distance. And it is most effective when the rules are followed by everyone. Communication is very important, but now it is better to switch to telephone calls and video calling.

2. Is it safe to order food at home?

Yes, but take precautions. Pay for the order by card so as not to give money on the spot. Ask to leave it under the door to shorten contacts. This will take care of both yourself and those who deliver the groceries.

The American edition of The Verge has compiled a memo How to order takeout safely and ethically with the rules of safe and ethical delivery:

Do not pick up the order in person from the courier.
Throw away the packaging immediately.
Wash your hands before eating.
Leave a good tip.
Support local business and order directly from the restaurant if possible.

3. How long does the virus live on different surfaces

New information appears constantly, so it's impossible to say with absolute certainty. According to the latest data from researchers, the virus survives:

Up to 72 hours (3 days) on plastic and stainless steel.
Up to 24 hours on cardboard.
Four hours on copper surfaces.
Up to three hours in the air.

Make it a rule to clean frequently touched surfaces every day with soapy water and a disinfectant. And of course, wash your hands often.

4. Is it possible to get the coronavirus again

This is one of the most important questions that still remain unanswered. Usually, if a person becomes infected with some kind of infection, the body develops immunity to it and the likelihood of contracting it again is greatly reduced. According to Can you get the coronavirus twice? British doctors, with the coronavirus, is likely to be the same.

But a certain number of people can nevertheless become infected again, and the numbers cannot yet be predicted. There is already They Recovered From the Coronavirus. Were They Infected Again? cases where people recovered, and then their tests for the presence of the virus showed a positive result again. The human body does not yet have experience in dealing with a new type of coronavirus. Therefore, in someone the antibodies developed in the first period of the disease may disappear over time.

In short, do not assume that having been ill once, you are protected forever. The risk of a new infection may be very low, but it still cannot be said to be zero.

5. How age and health problems affect the course of illness

The risk of hospitalization and death increases steadily with age. However, this does not guarantee that you cannot become seriously ill if you are younger. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14–20% of people under the age of 55 go to hospitals, and 2–10% go to intensive care. And although mortality at this age is less than 1%, it still exists. These figures reflect the situation in the United States, but they are consistent with indicators in other countries.

In addition, people with heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and a weakened immune system are known to be at increased risk of severe illness. We still have a lot to learn about the coronavirus, so caution must come first.