Importance Of Social Distancing Research Articles

Luckin Coffee in China: An Innovative Coffee Brand Dominating the Chinese Market amid the Covid-19 Pandemic

Although China is historically known as a tea-consuming country, coffee consumption in China has been increasing at double-digit rates in recent years. Based on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, we explored Luckin Coffee’s innovative business concepts, including operational efficiency and marketing strategies such as price advantage, technical-support system, omnichannel sales, and social media promotion to expand market share. In addition, Luckin Coffee’s advanced technology and digital customer engagement have given the company an unexpected boost, as the importance of social distancing and minimizing physical contact became the new norm and standard practice during the COVID-19 pandemic era. This study provides practical insights into the impact of technology and process innovation on enhancing brand value and attracting new customers within the coffee shop and hospitality industries.

What drives university students to practice social distancing? Evidence from South Korea and Vietnam

As COVID‐19 has caused unprecedented social change, governments are implementing several social measures to control transmission. Among them, social distancing is being enforced in almost all countries and is effective in preventing infection. Based on the importance of social distancing, this study identifies factors influencing the intention towards social distancing. The research model was developed by introducing risk perception in the theory of planned behaviour. To examine the proposed model, a survey was conducted with 339 university students from two countries, South Korea and Vietnam. The data were analysed using the partial least squares method. The results show that social distancing attitude and perceived behavioural control significantly influence social distancing intention. The findings indicate that both affective risk perception and cognitive risk perception serve as imperative factors in the formation of social distancing attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. However, subjective norms and nationality do not affect social distancing intention. Based on the results, suggestions are made for policymakers to establish effective social measures.

The influence of civic associations and exposure to ideological heterogeneity on public views on mask wearing and social distancing

Mask wearing and social distancing have been essential public health guidelines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but faced resistance from skeptical subgroups in the United States, including Republicans and evangelicals. We examined the effects of participation in ideologically heterogeneous civic associations on attitudes toward public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among partisan and religious subgroups most resistant to public health guidelines. We analyzed panel survey data from a nationally representative cohort of 1222 U.S. adults collected in April, July, and November 2020, and July/August 2021. Data on the importance of social distancing and mask wearing were collected in November 2020. Evangelicals and Republicans who participated in ideologically diverse civic associations were more likely to support mask wearing compared to those participating in ideologically homogenous associations (difference in predicted policy support on a 0–1 scale: 0.084, p ≤ .05 and 0.020, p ≤ .05, respectively). Evangelicals in ideologically diverse associations were also more likely to support social distancing compared to those in ideologically homogenous associations (0.089, p ≤ .05). Participation in civic associations with ideologically heterogeneous members was associated with greater support for public health measures among skeptical subgroups. Encouraging exposure to diverse ideologies may bolster support for public health measures to mitigate COVID-19.

Stigmatization and Victimization of People Experiencing Homelessness: Psychological Functioning, Social Functioning, and Social Distance as Predictors of Reporting Violence to the Police

Abstract Homelessness is a serious social and health problem that is very important for community care and problem-oriented policing (POP). As this vulnerable population is difficult to reach, sound empirical data on psychosocial characteristics and contacts with the police are rare. This article reports a study of people experiencing homelessness from Berlin (Germany). Based on concepts of psychological and social functioning as well as social distance to the police we investigated their relation to reports of violent victimization to the police. A sample of 60 homeless males was contacted in the streets and anonymously answered interview questions and German versions of the Symptom Checklist 9, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Perceived Social Distance Scale. Only participants who had experienced violent victimization within the last 5 years were included for the study. The results showed enhanced psychological problems and social isolation from the society, although there were some close relations to other people experiencing homelessness. Psychological problems and social distance to the police clearly differentiated between those participants who reported their violent victimization to the police and those who did not. Multivariate analyses stress the importance of social distance to the police, psychological functioning, and age as predictors of reporting victimization to the police. Moderator analyses suggested that if social distance to the police is low, people tend to report victimization independent of psychological functioning. The findings are relevant for POP and support the involvement of police in multi-agency-based community crime prevention. Implications for policy, practice, and research are discussed.

Food safety knowledge, attitudes, and eating behavior in the advent of the global coronavirus pandemic.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships of food safety knowledge, attitude and eating behavior of consumers during national lockdowns in the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 157 respondents completed the online survey using a structured questionnaire worldwide. Overall, the respondents exhibited good attitude and good knowledge towards public health including food safety especially on the importance of social distancing, mask wearing, well-balanced diet, physical exercise and personal hygiene, such as hand washing during the pandemic lockdowns. A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the relationships among food safety knowledge, attitude and behavior under the pandemic conditions. Results showed that attitude towards food safety under the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns positively affected the eating behavior of the respondents, which exhibited a high β (0.686) among the variables tested (p<0.05). Food safety knowledge was apparently not affected by the food safety behavior of the respondents.

The effect of politician denialist approach on COVID-19 cases and deaths

Concern over the high rate of contagion of COVID-19 has prompted world authorities to use the strategy of isolation and social confinement as the main non-pharmacological weapon against the disease that has rapidly killed millions of people worldwide. However, there is evidence that the denialist rhetoric of the Brazilian President has negatively influenced people's behavior in relation to obedience to confinement and social isolation measures. The aim of this study is to analyze the correlation between the Brazilian President’s denialist rhetoric and the low adherence to social distancing measures and the subsequent increase of new coronavirus cases and deaths. Daily data on the level of contamination by COVID-19, social distancing and information from Brazilian states between the months of February and May 2020 were used. Taking into consideration the differences between the federal government of Brazil and state governors about the severity of the pandemic and the importance of social distancing, the article uses the Instrumented Difference-in-Differences approach, suggested by Duflo (2001), to obtain the causal impact of reduced social distancing, resulting from Presidential denialist rhetoric, in mitigating COVID-19 cases and deaths, taking into account the relationship between the president of the republic and the states as an instrument. The results suggest that the Brazilian average Social Isolation Index increased from 39.77% to 51% between February 1st and May 18th, 2020, the country would have had approximately 318,850.03 fewer cases of COVID-19, and more than 10.000 lives would have been saved.

Vaccines for the COVID-19 α Variant: An Econometric Analysis

This study examines the success of COVID-19 vaccines in four European countries and Israel for the α variant. These countries respond to the vaccines with varying degrees of success. Countries with successful vaccination programs take about 160 days to get to the minimum number of new cases. Only Italy and Israel came close to eradicating the virus. Vaccines and previous infections have a similar prophylactic effect on new infections. Second doses for the most part add little protection to those who have only one dose. Vaccines become very effective after seven days although there are some added benefits that accrue to individuals in the second week after vaccination. The effect of vaccines on new cases is non-linear and exhibits a decreasing marginal effect. COVID-19 is spread by asymptomatic carriers, a feature of the disease which was discernable at the same time that public health agencies were discouraging the use of masks by the general public and downplaying the importance of social distancing. These were major policy errors and led to many unnecessary deaths.

Lockdowns Save People from Air Pollution: Evidence from Daily Global Tropospheric NO2 Satellite Data

Motivated by the global fear of the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, we investigated whether lockdowns save people from air pollution, notably from Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). Using daily satellite data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), we first found that the global NO2 tropospheric vertical column density (TVCD) decreased by 16.5% after the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) outbreak. Then, we calculated the global health benefits, as the monetized value of life, using the value of a statistical life (VSL). The total global health benefits were approximately 8.73 trillion USD, accounting for 10% of the global GDP; such benefits would be the largest in China, followed by the United States, Japan and Germany. Our results suggest that lockdowns may bring benefits to countries that policy interventions cannot easily bring, thus highlighting the importance of social distancing.

Routing algorithms as tools for integrating social distancing with emergency evacuation

One of the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of social distancing, even in challenging circumstances such as pre-hurricane evacuation. To explore the implications of integrating social distancing with evacuation operations, we describe this evacuation process as a Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP) and solve it using a DNN (Deep Neural Network)-based solution (Deep Reinforcement Learning) and a non-DNN solution (Sweep Algorithm). A central question is whether Deep Reinforcement Learning provides sufficient extra routing efficiency to accommodate increased social distancing in a time-constrained evacuation operation. We found that, in comparison to the Sweep Algorithm, Deep Reinforcement Learning can provide decision-makers with more efficient routing. However, the evacuation time saved by Deep Reinforcement Learning does not come close to compensating for the extra time required for social distancing, and its advantage disappears as the emergency vehicle capacity approaches the number of people per household.

The Role of Influencers During the Covid-19 Pandemic on Social Media Instagram

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Indonesia needs suitable media and communicators to prevent the spread of the covid-19 virus. Therefore, as a social media with several users, Instagram has given birth to massive influencers to spread information digitally. Influencers' existence on social media Instagram can impact anyone, including their followers, by uploading content by inserting educational and socialization messages. This study explores the role of several influencers on Instagram to help the government prevent the spread of the covid-19 virus. The research was conducted qualitatively with a literature review approach and indirect interviews with influencer followers. The results show that influencers' role impacts their followers based on the content they have uploaded and the information they write on their Instagram social media. The educational content on Instagram influencers that are most viewed and responded to contains the importance of washing hands and using hand sanitizers, masks when going out, and education about the importance of social distancing. Influencers content that get the most reactions and viewers are disseminating education about according to the SOP when leaving the house. Several uploads of influencers who go directly to the field to help each other prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Ophthalmological practices in COVID times

The COVID 19 pandemic has brought about a change in the lifestyle of one and all with the healthcare workers being no exception. The objective of this review is to discuss the problems faced during the COVID19 pandemic especially by the ophthalmological community owing to the close contact with the patient during examination which is inevitable. The text has been written after a thorough literature search of articles on Pubmed using relevant keywords. It discusses and brings forth the ways of ophthalmological practices to minimize the risk of exposure being followed across the world as laid down by the ophthalmological societies of various countries and regions. The importance of social distancing and the role of tele-ophthalmology which formed the cornerstone of treatment during this hour of crisis has also been discussed.

Sosialisasi pentingnya social distancing dan mencegah pola hidup dalam upaya memutus rantai penyebaran covid-19

Covid-19 is one of the outbreaks whose spread is very significant in human life today, almost all circles discuss and anticipate this outbreak in various ways, some are washing their hands all the time using soap, some are cleaning their hands by using a hand sanitizer, some even do sports and maintain their diet so that their immunity is maintained during this pandemic. Given that Covid-19 is transmitted through physical contact and regardless of age and sex. Therefore, apart from exercising and adjusting our diet, we are also obliged to have adequate rest. In this community service activity aimed at Karang Taruna to participate in the socialization of "The Importance of Social Distancing and Preventing Lifestyles in Efforts to Break the Chain of Covid-19 Spread in Tarowang Village, Tarowang District, Jeneponto Regency". The method used is door-to-door socialization with attention to distance when communicating with the community with partners, namely Tarowang Village Youth Organization, Tarowang District. As a result of this activity, the community and Karang Taruna take part in participating and getting the benefits of social distancing and a healthy lifestyle.

Determinants of Social Distancing Among South Africans From 12 Days Into the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross Sectional Study.

Introduction: Social or physical distancing has been an effective measure for reducing the spread of COVID-19 infections. Investigating the determinants of adherence to social distancing can inform public health strategies to improve the behaviour. However, there is a lack of data in various populations. This study investigates the degree to which South Africans complied with social distancing during the country's COVID-19 lockdown and identifies the determinants associated with being in close contact with large numbers of people.Materials and Methods: Data was collected from a South African national online survey on a data free platform, supplemented with telephone interviews. The survey was conducted from 8 to 29 April 2020. The primary outcome was the number of people that participants came into close contact with (within a 2-metre distance) the last time they were outside their home during the COVID-19 lockdown. Multivariate multinomial regression investigated the socio-demographic, psychosocial and household environmental determinants associated with being in contact with 1–10, 11–50 and more than 50 people.Results: Of the 17,563 adult participants, 20.3% reported having not left home, 50.6% were in close physical distance with 1–10 people, 21.1% with 11–50 people, and 8.0% with >50 people. Larger household size and incorrect knowledge about the importance of social distancing were associated with being in contact with >50 people. Male gender, younger age and being in the White and Coloured population groups were significantly associated with being in contact with 1–10 people but not with larger numbers of people. Employment, at least secondary school education, lack of self-efficacy in being able to protect oneself from infection, and moderate or high risk perception of becoming infected, were all associated with increased odds of close contact with 1–10, 11–50, and >50 people relative to remaining at home.Conclusion: The findings identify subgroups of individuals that are less likely to comply with social distancing regulations. Public health communication, interventions and policy can be tailored to address these determinants of social distancing.

Parodies for a pandemic: coronavirus songs, creativity and lockdown

ABSTRACT One of the common responses to the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdowns that have been a feature of almost all countries has been the making of what have come to be called parodies. These are songs with new lyrics set to the tunes of established and well-known popular songs. The new lyrics describe life during the pandemic, the experience of isolation during lockdown, the importance of wearing masks and washing hands, the importance of social distancing when one is out. The pandemic parodies are a comment, sometimes jocular sometimes more anguished, on the new normal. They are posted on social media sites, mostly YouTube but also other sites such as TikTok, and invite comments from their audience about everything from the quality of the recording to the accuracy of the lyrics in reflecting people’s lives during this time. Some of these parodies are by semi-professional singers, others by amateurs. Most of the parodists are white males and most of the songs parodied are from the 1970s and 1980s, part of the cultural capital of Generation X. This article argues that calling these songs parodies invites misunderstanding. They function more like the ballads of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when new lyrics would be written to be sung to well-known tunes. Often these lyrics would be commentaries on significant public or political events. This article argues that the pandemic parodies function similarly only now rather than the new lyrics being sold in the streets by hawkers, the songs are available on the web. At a time when the popular music industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation as a consequence of the impact of new technologies such as streaming, these pandemic parodies suggest another transformation in the production and consumption of popular music.

The Negative Impact of Social Media during COVID-19

It has been observed that social media platforms have had both a positive and negative effect on how India has dealt with the COVID 19 pandemic. As the coronavirus took over the world, many took to social media to learn about how the virus spreads and what it is. Although this helped inform everyone on how to take precautions against this deadly virus, a lot of the information that users were reading was not verified or fact-checked and labeled as "fake news".&#x0D; In the modern world, information is spread very quickly through a variety of social media platforms. Because of this, there was widespread panic even before the COVID-19 virus had even reached India. Many citizens bought an excessive surplus of supplies such as masks, hand sanitizers, and food, which ultimately led to a shortage of these supplies for the 1.3 billion people in this country. The shortage of supplies along with the lockdown process which severely impacted the economy has led to an increase in price to the majority of essential products such as food, hand sanitizers, masks, etc. The most affected were the average day workers.&#x0D; Social media has caused widespread panic and hogging of essential supplies along with false facts of the virus itself, however, there are some things that we have benefited from due to social media. For example, social media has shown us the importance of social distancing and activities that we can do to keep our mental health in check while under lockdown.&#x0D; In short, I believe social media should be regulated and kept under watch by the government in certain aspects when it comes to spreading information about pandemics like covid19. If regulated properly we can avoid mass panic and anarchy and will be able to survive this pandemic as one.

Educational and Professional Challenges of Dentistry During Covid-19 Pandemic; a Literature Review

In the year 2020 Covid-19 disease caused an extensive pandemic world-wide. It arose from Wuhan city in China and spread to whole world resulting in many deaths. Immediately, researchers conducted many studies to assess the etiology, epidemiology, ways of transmission and protective instructions and materials against Covid-19, but still there are not enough studies about challenges which dentists, dental students and patients referring to dental clinics encounter regarding their social, economic and psychological status. In this review, authors tried to focus on the literature regarding these problems. The literature search was conducted using natural language keywords and controlled vocabulary using MeSH through PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar from 1st of January 2020 to 21st of November 2020. In addition, Gray literature and manual search of references were also performed. Articles with low quality methodology were excluded based on critical appraisal. The articles about the effects of Covid-19 on "dental education", "pediatric dentistry", "geriatric dentistry" and "dental professions and practice" were included in the study. The results showed that due to the practical nature of the dental profession and education and the importance of social distance during this pandemic (Covid-19), the dental community and even patients in need of dental treatment have been affected by this pandemic in different ways that should be considered by health officials for facilitating feedback to this pandemic.

Medical Students and Patients Benefit from Virtual Non-Medical Interactions Due to COVID-19

Background:Patient care restrictions created by the COVID-19 pandemic constrained medical students’ ability to interact directly with patients. Additionally, organ transplant recipients faced increasing isolation due to the rise of telemedicine, the importance of social distancing and their immunosuppressed state. We created a pilot program to pair students with transplant patients for structured, virtual encounters and studied its impact on medical students and patients.Methods:In May 2020, medical students conducted virtual visits with patients via telephone or video conferencing. Patients and students were surveyed regarding their experiences and independent focus groups were conducted. The survey responses and focus group discussions were deidentified, transcribed, and analyzed for themes.Results:Ten participating students were in their first, second, or final year of medical school. The 14 patients were liver or kidney transplant recipients or kidney donors. All interactions lasted longer than 30 minutes, with 56% greater than 1 hour. Three themes emerged related to the student experience: improvement of their clinical communication skills, development of knowledge and attitudes related to organ transplantation and donation, and independent management of a patient encounter. Three themes related to the patient experience: appreciation of the opportunity to share their personal patient experience to help educate future physicians, a cathartic and personally illuminating experience and an opportunity to share the message of donation.Conclusions:This pilot program provided a novel opportunity for virtual student-patient interactions that was feasible, well-received, and mutually beneficial. The use of virtual non-medical patient experiences allowed for experiential learning during which students learned about both clinical medicine and enhanced their communication skills directly from patients. Additionally, patients were able to engage with medical students in a new way, as teachers of clinical interactions, and reported a high level of satisfaction in addition to deriving personal benefit.

Aging in the Shadow of COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents a major challenge to societies all over the world. This new virus threat both socially as well as economically regarding health and safety of human being irrespective of age, race or social status across the world. This expository paper focuses on impact of COVID-19 upon elderly and importance of social distancing and isolation for elderly people. This paper also explores the scenario of COVID-19 in India and the measures that government bodies are taking to contain and mitigate it. Role and responsibilities of families and caregivers to keep away the elderly disease-free, spirited and mentally fit. Those in isolation or quarantine need special care: telephonic counselling, digital contact with family and ensuring adequate nutrition is vital. The study is primarily based on secondary data including books, journals, newspapers, and other governmental reports.

The Impact Of Health Care Worker’s Knowledge And Attitude On Their COVID-19 Infection Risk

Background: High number of losses may occur among health care workers (HCWs) who are the key contributors in the COVID-19 battle. Objectives: To explore the base-line knowledge and perception of HCWs who will join working in our Isolation Unit, correct the wrong believes and investigate their safety at the end of their quarantine period. Methods: The study was implemented on 206 HCWs [133 nurses, 28 physicians, 8 pharmacists, and 37 technicians and housekeepers] by assessing HCWʼs knowledge and attitude via on-line questionnaire, improve misconceptions via health care program prior to start their work in the unit and inspect the COVID-19 infection by laboratory and radiological investigations. The inclusion criteria were being HCWs in the Isolation Unit of COVID-19, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt for in the period from of June 10th to August 10th, 2020. Results: Base-line questionnaire results revealed good knowledge and positive attitude of HCWs towards 16-COVID-19 itemsin spite of ignoring the incubation period of the disease. There was significant positive attitude of the HCWs groups, and the total group attitude showed a significant good knowledge score. HCWs had highly significant good knowledge score and positive attitude towards the importance of training on PPE donning and doffing. Continuous health education on infection control practices and importance of social distancing during the isolation period was emphasized. At the end of the quarantine period, the infection rate was 5.8%. The HCWs with positive SARS-CoV-2 showed negative COVID-Ab results, significant changes in their C-T scan findings and lab findings. Conclusion: HCWs with goodknowledge, perception and who follow strict precautions in an Isolation Unit are the basis of success in winning the Battle against SARS-CoV aiming at keeping HCWs safety with optimum patient care and less harm to the health facilities.

EASE: A Method to Integrate Older Adults back into Senior Centers post COVID-19

One in six senior citizens (age 65 years and older) living alone in the United States faces physical, cultural, and/or geographical barriers that isolate them from their peers and communities. This isolation can prevent them from receiving benefits and services that can improve their economic security and ability to live healthy, independent lives. Although it is generally known that depression is not directly related to the aging process, adults 65 years and older are more likely to experience depression due the onset of physical limitations, living alone, decreases in mobility, feelings of purposeless, cognitive decline, and fear of dying (Neff 2020). Prior to COVID-19, older adults attending senior activities centers (SAC) were instrumental in decreasing episodes of depression. This is largely based on socialization with peers, getting out of the home and, and listening to the life experiences of the much older adults.&#x0D; Since COVID-19, social distancing has been encouraged and the elimination of social gathering has been emphasized, which was, heretofore, expected in senior activities center settings. In the authors’ combined experience, the primary goal of successfully transitioning senior citizens returning to senior activities centers can best be accomplished by mental health care workers use of the EASE method. EASE stands for E: educate: Mental health care workers must educate older adults on the importance of social distancing in decreasing the spread of COVID-19 to the most vulnerable population (based on age and pre morbid conditions). By training staff to educate older adults on CDC guidelines relative to COVID-19 on proper handwashing, the wearing of facemasks to cover the mouth and nose, and to seek medical attention if Covid-19 symptoms are present, is essential. A: avoid: mental health care workers must constantly remind older adults to avoid the touching of the face and eyes. From picking up objects to turning doorknobs, people are constantly touching surfaces contaminated with pathogens. These pathogens can be picked up by our hands and get into the body through mucous membranes on the face — eyes, nose, and mouth — that act as pathways to the throat and lungs (Elder NC, Sawyer W, Pallerla H, Khaja S, Blacker M, 2014).&#x0D; S: support: Mental health care workers who work in senior activities centers. Senior should strive to support and provide an environment for older adults engaging them in opportunities for socialization, exercise, and education. The more active a senior citizen is, the healthier they will be. Recent research suggests when older adults consistently engage in social activities, they experience significant improvements in their physical, mental, and emotional health. Much of this improvement results from the ability to maintain healthy relationships and a continued sense of being part of society. E: Eliminate: mental health care workers should convey to older adults the need to eliminate activities that may contribute to contracting Covid-19, such as smoking and decreasing contact with those that smoke.&#x0D; Educating mental health workers on the benefits of transitioning the (EASE) of senior citizens back to attending the senior activities center will better assist this population to return to and overcome their fears to participate in the “new normal” beyond convid-19. Senior activities centers have been and will continue to be valuable community assets providing significant benefit to older adults and their families. Change in these programs will have to be significant enough to make a difference for this large demographic group. Using the EASE Method will assist with meeting the scale of change with the scale of the demand for Seniors to feel safe to return to Senior activities Centers.