All you've been hearing for weeks now is that we need to social distance. While many places have stopped public gatherings like schools, restaurants & bars, churches, and big venues, some places are unintentionally doing it. So what can we do?

I guess for us here in the media all we can do is keep hammering the message home and hope that everyone starts to listen. The sooner we all start doing this the sooner we can all go back to normal. I think that's the most important thing to remember - we will get back to normal.

Yesterday my wife and I needed to run to the grocery store to get something. We made sure to use disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and stay away from others as much as you can. On our drive home we saw a cluster of teenagers in Albany gathered around in a circle all chatting and laughing as if everything it normal.

Let's be clear - none of this is normal.

They were not six feet apart, and they were not wearing masks, gloves, or anything tot keep them safe.

I have also seen parents letting large groups of neighborhood kids play together. That's also NOT okay! Cancel the playdates. New York City, who's been hit hardest by the coronavirus epidemic, has even considered totally closing parks because people won't stop gathering there.

Right now New York State is on PAUSE. Here are the New York State rules of social distancing, just to review:

Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed at this time;
Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced;
When in public individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others;
Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet;
Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people;
Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders;
Sick individuals should not leave their home unless to receive medical care and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health;
Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations; and
Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes

From Governor Cuomo's website - "Even if you feel well, stay at home as much as possible. In public, keep at least 6 feet distance from others. Avoid unnecessary appointments."

I'm talking to the adults in the room right now - stop hanging out with your friends. Don't invite them over. Don't go over to their places. If you are so desperate to see and talk to them use Facetime, Skype, or the House Party app. I've literally seen videos online of kids visiting with their grandparents through a window. If they can do it for their families you can do it for your friends.

The good news? Gov. Cuomo says that social distancing is working to stop the spread! Are we out of the woods? No way. Not even close.

I said it above and I will say it again - the sooner we all get on board with this and take it seriously the sooner thing will get back to normal.

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