Norton Speaks Out on Social Distancing, Balancing Needed with Safe Activities to Get People Moving

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released the following statement urging authorities to guide constituents better on activities consistent with staying home and practicing social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis:

"Most of the directives and advice from authorities have understandably been for people to stay at home, or for closure of public spaces and group activities. This approach is essential to the social distancing necessary to stop the spread of the coronavirus, but as public officials, we also have a responsibility to suggest positive activities people can take at home or close to home to take care of their minds and bodies while respecting social distancing guidelines. For example, I take a 30-minute walk around my neighborhood every evening, walking where safe, in wide-open uncrowded spaces to get exercise and to keep from feeling cooped up. Our advice always begins with staying at home to keep safe from the coronavirus, but this can be done with some balance, by not only advising people about what not to do, but also what is safe to do. I hope the federal government continues to provide such guidance."

Norton is asking constituents to post ideas for activities people are doing with #DCSocialDistancing which she will share periodically on her social media. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to see the suggestions.