September 15, 2020
Santanu Sen makes Special Mention on using the term ‘physical distancing’ instead of ‘social distancing’
FULL TRANSCRIPT
Sir, the term ‘social distancing’ should not be used any more. As we know, in order to avoid coronavirus transmission, the term ‘social distancing’ is being regularly used and it is being advised to maintain social distancing. Actually it is a physical distance of nearly 6 feet between two persons which is needed.
On the contrary, the use of the term ‘social distancing’ has indirectly promoted social stigma, which has led to an attitude of boycotting COVID-19 patients socially and as a consequence, COVID-19 patients and their family members are facing several inhuman situations. Sometimes social distancing creates differences in socio-economic, religious and political perspectives.
To stop this social discrimination and social stigma, the term ‘social distancing’ should not be utilised any more to fight COVID-19 and instead, ‘physical distancing’ should be used.
