SELF-ISOLATING

“The number of fire staff affected by the virus has increased

 with some 3,000 fire and rescue staff now self-isolating.”

 The terms “self-isolation” (noun) and “self-isolate” (verb) were submitted to the Collins online dictionary between late January and early March this year and have only recently been published in it. They still haven’t been published in the free online Oxford or Cambridge dictionaries.

 Based on the dictionary definition, to self-isolate is to isolate (quarantine) yourself because you have, or suspect you have, a contagious disease, such as COVID-19; it also means to remain alone.

 Based on guidelines published by the UK government and the National Health Service (NHS), the term “self-isolation” is reserved for people who have, or have been living with someone who has had, COVID-19.


More examples

 “The letter has also raised concerns about the ‘narrow spectrum of symptoms the UK is using as an indication for self-isolation.’”

 “He was discharged from Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital on 10 April and has since been self-isolating in their Woodgate home.”

 “Her heartbroken parents were then told they would have to go home without her to self-isolate for 14 days.”


 In reality, the term “self-isolation” is regularly being used to describe social distancing. It’s also being used by or to refer to people who are isolating themselves because their age or underlying health conditions make them particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. However, another term has been introduced for people in this category: shielding.

 “Vulnerable residents shielding from coronavirus in Lichfield and Burntwood are being urged to register for help if they need it.”


 Summary:

 Social distancing – taking steps to avoid spreading COVID-19 (coronavirus). This should be practised by everyone, regardless of their age and health.

 Self-isolating – staying at home and avoiding any contact with others because you either have, suspect you have, or have been living with someone who has COVID-19 (coronavirus).

 Shielding – avoiding contact with others because you are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 (coronavirus) due to age or underlying health conditions.


 Photo credit: Marc Roberts (Creative Commons)