“April distance brings May existence.”
This popular tweet going around social media has been the motto for many as the month of April begins and social distancing is still being encouraged by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The United States is predicted to have its worst weeks ahead battling the novel coronavirus.
Social distancing, or the practice of staying at least six feet away from others, avoiding group gatherings and limiting time spent in crowded places, has been a heavily encouraged practice during this time. Because COVID-19 is spread from person to person via close contact, practicing social distancing is advised in order to limit the amount of people infected by the virus.
For many, social distancing is paired with self quarantine, which is where people stay in their own houses, only going outside for exercise or for essential purposes like getting groceries. These practices, when combined, are put in place to keep people healthy. While not everyone follows these guidelines, there are still many who do in hopes of slowing the spread of the virus so that life can continue on.
“Don’t hang out with people, always have at least six feet between you and others and stay at home unless you need to go out.” said Will Brant, a University of Wyoming student.
Brant, like many others, has been sticking to the guidelines put in place by the CDC. Staying at home and only going out when necessary is one of the most effective practices in slowing the spread of the virus.
While social distancing is not a cure for COVID-19, it is just one element that can help slow the spread of the virus. Though social distancing is not the most fun thing in the world for some people, it is important to practice this in order to protect oneself from exposure to the virus and protecting others.
However, a few students are handling the social distancing by continuing on life as normal with just a few adjustments to keep their adventures safe. UW student Andrew Hobbs has continued to explore the world around him while making sure he still practices social distancing rules.
“Basically, I do a lot of exploring. Finding hiking trails, finding fishing spots on new rivers, exploring places people don’t even know about,” Hobbs said.
Going outside for exercise, like walking or jogging, is encouraged to allow people an outlet to enjoy the weather. While the CDC recommends limited travel, finding a fishing spot or hiking trail that is not crowded or very popular is also an outlet to enjoy being outside during this time of year.
“We’re still taking separate cars and keeping our distance,” Hobbs said. He that while he does enjoy these activities with friends, they still maintain their distance and abide by social distancing rules.
“Just going out doesn’t make you reckless, it’s what you do when you are out. I encourage people to go out, but go to places without a lot of people and go places within a reasonable distance of where you live,” Hobbs continued.
Going outdoors during this time has been a sanity saver for many people as being stuck inside of the house all day can be less than ideal. UW student Kyla Baldridge had a similar outlook on how to safely social distance while still enjoying the outdoors.
“I’m practicing social distancing by staying home. When I do want to see my friends we set up hammocks in the forest. This way we can still talk and see one another in person, but everyone is six or more feet away in their own hammock,” Baldridge said.
Baldridge, who is currently residing in Kaneville, Illinois, encourages others to safely enjoy the outdoors while still maintaining the rules of social distancing. Activities that she would normally do with her hometown friend group have been modified to fit the CDC recommendations for social distancing.
While Zoom and FaceTime are ideal for long distance friendships, finding a solution to get outside with her local friends has helped limit the amount of time Baldridge spends with her friends.
“It’s okay to explore but to remember to stay close to home and protect the rural communities surrounding science areas,” she said.
While social distancing is important to keep yourself and others safe, there are still ways to get outside and explore safely.
