For the past few months, you’ve been told to stay home—no contact with family, friends, or co-workers. Everyday life was stopped in its tracks because a global pandemic decided to show up and upend the world as we knew it.
Research is emerging to indicate whether or not lockdown orders have been effective in combatting the spread of the virus. The results are what you might expect. So, if you’ve been playing your part and staying in the past few months, you’ve helped in a significant way.
Closing places of business, schools, and restricting large gatherings made a significant impact on controlling COVID spread and slashing numbers across the world. As we’ve recently observed in some regions, those that have failed to enforce lockdown measures have seen cases jump astronomically.
One study recently published in the BMJ found that restricting mass gatherings and closing schools made a huge difference in cutting cases. Using data from 149 regions and countries around the world, they suggested social distancing measures lowered the incidence of cases by 13%.
Other health officials agree. One infectious disease doctor suggested that Canada’s pandemic lockdown measures worked to keep infections and mortality well below early projections.
So, all your hard work has paid off thus far and has been well worth it. Places that implemented and practiced social distancing are faring far better than those with a careless approach.
Being locked down certainly isn’t easy, and knowing you’re doing your community good may not be overly reassuring. To help get through these challenges, remember to take some time for yourself to relax and get outside for some exercise in nature.
Be smart as rules continue to relax. Remember to maintain social distance when seeing friends and loved ones, and wear a mask if you’re indoors or can’t keep adequate space from others.