Physical Distance or Social Distance?

Abstract

Keeping a social distance often leads to estrangement between people. And that makes it harder to recover after the epidemic is over. In order to contain COVID-19 transmission, though, it is necessary to keep a distance. But the necessity of this restriction should be limited to the physical distance between people. Simply put, just because we should ask people to keep some distance doesn't mean they shouldn't interact with each other. The term "social distance" tends to produce semantic contradictions. Mols(2020) encouraged governments and stakeholders to encourage social connections during the COVID-19 pandemic, as "the social identity process is a key source of human strength". Physical distance will help curb the spread of COVID-19, but maintaining social contact and interaction will also facilitate reintegration and normalisation after the eventual end of the pandemic.