Watch: Infectious Disease Expert Talks Social Distancing During COVID-19 Outbreak

The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a global pandemic. Medical experts and public health authorities are working nonstop to mitigate the impact the disease will have on our population, vulnerable communities, clinics, and the healthcare system as a whole. While health leaders and employees grapple with evolving policies and procedures for keeping patients healthy, authorities are also looking for everyone to do their part in flattening the curve — with social distancing.

Amid the declaration of a public health emergency in Boston and most U.S. states, Nahid Bhadelia, MD, medical director, special pathogens unit at Boston Medical Center, breaks down the importance of social distancing.