“Physical distancing” or “social distancing”?

The WHO (World Health Organisation) has started using the phrase ” physical distancing” instead of social distancing as a way to prevent the spread of the novel corona virus, a move widely welcomed by experts.

Technology right now has advanced so greatly that we can keep connected in many ways without actually physically being in the same room. A number of measures can be taken to increase the physical space between people: staying home more often, working from home if possible, catching up with loved ones online and staying away from other people in public places. We need to do physical distancing to protect everyone’s physical well-being but mental well-being is also important and social isolation is definitely not good for mental well-being. Physical distance is measured in metric meters or centimeters, it is a geographical distance from person A to person B while social distance is a measure of distance across social boundaries.

It is good that WHO changed the terminology because in these strange times of the virus we want clear physical distance (minimum 1 meter) but at the same time we want people to remain close to each other ” socially.”