Mind the Gap - Go the Distance

Unless you have no access to television or the internet, everyone has heard about staying 6 feet apart. Every one of us needs to protect each other by being away of social distancing. Let's be clear, if you don't mind the gap when in the subway or on a train platform, you are taking unnecessary risk. You or someone near you could be hurt or worse. It's no different now during this pandemic. By minding the gap you help all of us move towards getting back to a more normal life. You can save lives. You may save your own.

Like any new habit, it takes practice. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, whether in a grocery store, in your workplace or any public space. It can feel uncomfortable. You can get distracted. It's pretty clear we are all worried (OK, sometimes really stressed!) about what we are reading and seeing in our communities. Taking action can mean you are positively contributing to getting us through this situation. That action is as simple of minding the gap between you and others. You can make the difference.

A few suggestions:

• When going to the grocery stores or pharmacy, consider parking in a spot not right next to another car. It decreases the chance of being less than 6 feet if several people are getting back into their cars.
• Pay attention when moving towards an entrance or exit in a building, in case there are others headed the same direction. Be polite and clear about who should go through first.
• When in public places, limit cell phone use so you can be aware of people getting too close.

By minding the gap between you and others, you'll help all of us go the distance. We can reduce the number of people that get sick, limit the exposure to those most vulnerable, and help more of us come back from this disease.

Remember: Six Feet. Mind the Gap. Go the Distance.

Do it for the people you care about. Do it for your community. Do it for the people on the front lines. Do it for yourself.