Why It's Crucial Not To Let Up On Social Distancing

EAMC has asked the community to social distance since the last week of February, almost two months ago. You have probably heard the terms ‘social distancing,’ ‘shelter at home’ and ‘flatten the curve’ from hospital officials hundreds of times.

Unfortunately, after a 5-day decline in cases just before Easter, we have had 8 straight days where the number of hospitalized cases have been above that mark. With talk of “re-opening” in Alabama, the concern is there a risk of a second wave, and perhaps even a new peak, if the social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines are not followed closely.

“We expected extra cases after Easter, and that is exactly what happened,” Ricardo Maldonado, M.D., EAMC’s infectious disease specialist says. “Social distancing has helped tremendously, and at our peak we were very close to surpassing our capacity. Doing the wrong things like church services or other mass gatherings will bring the number of cases up again. COVID-19 does not appear to cause serious infections in most healthy and young individuals, but if the young and healthy begin to stop social distancing, they can pass it on to those at risk for serious infections. It is critical to remember that this is not people as individuals, but about our community, especially the ones who are vulnerable.”

Amy Brandon, director of the Emergency Department at EAMC explains that they have seen a spike in cases since Easter. “We have certainly seen more surges of COVID-19 symptoms in the ED since Easter,” Brandon says. “This is an indication that the virus continues to spread in our community, despite precautionary measures in place by government leaders and healthcare officials. I urge everyone to not underestimate the seriousness of this illness and the devastating effects we have seen among the patients and families we care for.”

“The most important things for community members to do is obey Governor Kay Ivey’s stay-at-home order until April 30,” Steven Presley, M.D., EAMC hospitalist says. “We will see another spike in cases if people don’t obey these guidelines. If we want this to end soon, we must comply now.”

The guidelines that will save lives are simple:


• Shelter in place at home. That means staying at home with immediate family members only and not leaving your home except for essential activities such as food, medical care, or work.


• Maintain at least a 6-foot distance from other people at all times, even when outdoors.


• Be vigilant about washing your hands. Wash them frequently throughout the day and for at least 20 seconds each time.


• Disinfect high-touch surfaces, including cell phones, frequently


• If you leave your house, wear a cloth mask to protect yourself and protect others.