Astronaut Chris Hadfield is no stranger to self-isolation and social distancing. For him and all the other astronauts, it's part of the job.
To help cope with the ongoing health crisis brought on by COVID-19, Hadfield recently posted a video titled "Astronaut's Guide to Self Isolation." The video sparks a realization that astronauts aren't new to distancing themselves from everyone else, including family and friends, while being contained in close quarters with limited supplies.
The Canadian astronaut explained in the video that it's important to understand the importance of self-isolation and offered tips on how to get through it: "Understand the actual risk, don't just be afraid of things," Hadfield said in the video. "Go to a credible source and find out what is truly the risk that you're facing right now."
Hadfield further adds that now is the time to learn something new, perhaps a new language or a musical instrument. In a time wherein you are limited to socialize, he recommends to make goals or set a mission. The seasoned astronaut also emphasized the value of taking care of your loved ones and most importantly, oneself.
On the same note, fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin also shared what the best thing to do is in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. When asked how he was coping, he hilariously said he was "lying on my ass and locking the door."
In the 1960s when Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins arrived on Earth from the first human mission to the Moon, NASA put them on lockdown. Like Hadfield, Aldrin is no stranger to self-isolation as well.
Now 90 years old, Aldrin is included in the group most vulnerable to COVID-19. While sharing his experiences decades ago, he also encouraged people to stay in their homes and only go out when necessary.
The novel coronavirus outbreak continues to plague the whole world and is progressing at an alarming pace. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic and said that the number of cases and deaths will continue to go higher.
However, the WHO was quick to reassure people that governments and health organizations are working hard to control the spread of the virus. In China, the virus' origin, many have already recovered.
Many companies across the globe are encouraging their workers to work from home as countless industries have been hit by supply chain issues. For the latest data on COVID-19, visit the WHO website.
