Physical Distancing vs. Social Distancing

[Miss Mae]

I didn't give the term "social distancing" much thought until I read Mr. Howie Severino argue that it should be referred to as "physical distancing" in a graduation speech. Is he correct, Sir? I thought "social" was used in that terminology in the same sense Aristotle had when he said "man is by nature a social animal."

[Joe Carillo]

By this time I think the choice between "social distancing" and "physical distancing" has become trivial wordplay that's not really worth arguing about. The crucial thing is to religiously practice it as a very effective health-protection advice, and given Howie Severino's very close encounter with the coronavirus and his most fortunate recovery, I think you and Howie will agree with me that this is definitely not the time to debate the grammar and philosophical underpinnings of that health-saving regimen. Let's just do it as a matter of survival.

[Miss Mae]

You have a point.

I've just been hearing the two terms interchanged every now and then, prompting me to ask.