Social distance has caused less pollution on the planet

As restrictive measures adopted because of the Covid-19 pandemic, they contributed to a decrease in the pollution rate of cities. With reduced traffic on the streets, closing stores and shops, there was a small emission of polluting gases. Some large centers, such as Belo Horizonte, suffered half the atmospheric pollution, compared to the previous quarantined prices. According to a survey carried out by the State Environment Foundation (Feam), a request from the government of the state of Minas Gerais, there has been a 50% drop-in air pollution rates since restrictive measures were adopted. This survey takes measurements at two points in the city of Belo Horizonte: PUC stations in the São Gabriel neighborhood and downtown. It was observed that an improvement in air quality was due to the lower number of cars on the streets, the main factor of air pollution. Not only in Belo Horizonte, but in the world, there were some better ones in the environment. Venice, for example, passed by presenting channels with crystal clear water in the quarantine period. In São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, less air pollution was observed. It is possible to notice a sky much cleaner and without pollution. In China, too, the first epicenter of Covid-19, there was a significant improvement in air quality. Through monitoring by the European Space Agency (ESA), using NASA satellites, it was possible to see a drastic reduction in atmospheric pollution in that country. Another curious factor observed, with the advent of restrictive measures, is the fact that the planet started to vibrate less. This gave little movement of people in this period. According to a study published in the journal Nature, the reduction of activities in cities caused a reduction in physical effects. On the other hand, experts warn of the end of the confinement. It is likely that with a return to economic activities there will be an atmospheric explosion, air pollution and water pollution. Therefore, it is necessary for government officials to realize the importance of adopting sustainable measures.

How to reduce air pollution?

Finally, the news broadcast is mostly concentrated on issues related to climate change. These changes usually occur because of:

• Deforestation;
• Burnings;
• Burning of fossil fuels;
• Emission of industrial gases;
• Emission of polluting gases, among others.

And as it is known, this contributes to global warming, greenhouse effect, higher level of the oceans, among others. Thus, it is necessary that government officials pay attention to issues related to sustainability. Some measures necessary to reduce air pollution are:

• Limit the level of pollution in urban and rural areas;
• Action of strict measures, which do not allow the emission of polluting gases;
• Constant inspection of polluting sources;
• Encouraging the use of sustainable technologies;
• Encouraging the use of pollution-reducing equipment, such as catalysts, filters, among others;
• Monitoring of places where waste is deposited in order to avoid fires;
• Continuous monitoring of air quality;
• Reforest reforested areas;
• Action of preventive measures against atmospheric pollution;
• Control of fires;Avoid using pesticides;
• Preserve natural biomes;
• Use of sustainable public transport;
• Expansion of green areas in large centers.

The adoption of these measures can undoubtedly influence a significant improvement in the level of air pollution. So, more than ever, even though a quarantine is contributing to an improvement in the level of atmospheric pressure, it makes it necessary for the government to adopt these measures in the period after the social distance.

Understand social isolation and quarantine

In the past few days, with the advancing pandemic caused by COVID-19, how people must adapt to various situations. Some decrees have determined the suspension of activities in commerce, schools, industries, bars, restaurants, among others. However, essential services are still in full swing. With this, health experts have alerts for the need for quarantine. Campaigns on social networks with the goal of staying at home with strength gained. In addition, several activities adopted or teleworking regime. But what is the difference between quarantine and social isolation? A quarantine is a restrictive measure that aims to prevent the advance of the new Coronavirus. It is a way to avoid contact with a disease by people who have not yet had contact. Care in quarantine must be redoubled, some precautions are:

• Sanitize as hands;
• Use alcohol;
• Avoid leaving home;
• Avoid contact with other people;
• Use of masks, among others.

Social isolation is an expression used for patients who have already had contact with the new Coronavirus. That is, it refers to people who tested positive for COVID-19. Hence, in these cases, it is necessary that people with a positive test remain in a kind of home isolation. However, if the patient has more severe symptoms, it is of fundamental importance to seek medical help. People with a weakened respiratory system should practice hospital isolation, as in most cases it is necessary to use ventilators to improve breathing. Furthermore, it is observed that social distance, in this period, is necessary, as it is possible to avoid a collapse in the health system. If all people fall ill at the same time, there will be no respirators for everyone and, consequently, the number of deaths will increase alarmingly. Experts argue for the importance of adopting quarantine and social isolation measures. The first to prevent new people from becoming infected and the second to prevent the spread of the disease and the collapse in the health system. Therefore, regardless of the expression to be used: quarantine or social isolation, and with the increasing number of cases in the world and in Brazil, the World Health Organization recommends the need to maintain social distance. Consequently, the population must stay at home and adopt all the necessary care, whether with hygiene or with social distance. Only then will it be possible to contain the progress of the disease and restore normal life.