The World Health Organization (WHO) has started using the phrase "physical distancing" instead of "social distancing" as a way of preventing the spread of COVID 19, from people to people- a move generally welcomed by experts. They describe the shift in language by the world health body as the "right direction".

Experts previously raised concerns about the phrase "Social distancing” on grounds that is sounded -as though, people were not allowed to socialise or communicate with friends and family-yet this would be done remotely without physical contact.

In regard, WHO started to use the phrase "physical distancing” to make sure people are physically and mentally protected, - since in such hard times, the latter (mental wellbeing) may prevail, as individual social life and economic stress sink due to the lockdown.

However, as measures begin to ease, here in Rwanda- from what we are seeing at village level, and from the images circulating on social media; it looks like many, especially youth are not observing this public health measure (physical distancing). Yet, it is paramount to physically distance, for self-protection, but also for slowing down the spread of COVID-19 from one person to another.

Following the situation from my home village, and on social media, I said to myself, wouldn’t this be a good opportunity for public health experts or researchers to study and understand people’s response to public health messages – and why would someone engage in a deviant behavior, particularly disregarding the advice from public health experts, in and out of the country about the dangers of not observing the set guidelines. This may be a topic for another day.

In Kigali, and other parts of the countryside people especially the youth, seem unbothered by the situation- as if to say, the virus was no more, while others are unwilling or not prepared to be interrupted, until the local authorities or police get involved. These walk perfectly in groups, while others cuddle on streets unscarred, not only of the disease, but also of the law enforcers. 

But what people need to know, particularly the youth, is that, the ease of measures is not a carte blanche. The spread of Coronavirus has left public spaces such as squares, parks and beaches across the globe eerily quiet. In some countries, no single graves anymore but mass graves. Therefore, and until advised otherwise by public health authorities, life should not be fun and active as before.

It is understood though, that the situation is unwelcomed by everyone, from the business community, to the student’s community, who are currently deprived of a timely and quality education, but we need to be a little patient. Health and safety first.

As a matter of fact, we are not the only country facing this, not the only ones, including having young people- struggling to cope with the new reality of life, imposed on us by the novel coronavirus. Therefore, let’s not wait to fall off the cliff, to understand the law of gravity.

It doesn’t matter whether you are young, and a partying enthusiast or a tough-nonagenarian, -COVID-19 is real, and it kills. My message to you is that, protect yourself, heed the advice from authorities, and think of your loved ones, and the consequences of your actions.

In this regard, studies have shown that people tend to be very poor at assessing risks and opportunities. It’s the reason why people are more likely to be afraid of imprisonment than the crime itself, even though the risk of committing a crime is higher than that of imprisonment, or why people invest in pyramid schemes while the odds are stacked against them.

Thus, without observing the measures, you are endangering your life and that of others. But there are consequences for both actions. You are not only increasing the risks, but also putting pressure on the already stretched health services providers. Your actions have a budget implication to your loved ones, friends and the country yet this is avoidable.

Public health experts in Rwanda and globally have made it clear that physical distancing is an effective way to scale down the spread of Covid-19, which means, without physical contacts, we are a step ahead of the game. Sometimes, public guidelines may sound fluid to you, but going against them does not make them better either. Observe physical distancing, help yourself, seek help wherever necessary, and help others if you have to, in curbing down the spread of COVID 19.

Authored by Butera John R. Mugabe

Twitter@Buterarobert