Social distancing measures restrict when and where people can gather in order to stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases. A low risk patient, or someone who has minimal or even no symptoms, can pass the virus on to someone who is high risk.
Social distancing helps because it reduces contact; however, elderly still need to have contact with people even if it is within their own community. Mask wearing is important for everyone contacting someone from the outside. A 30 day quarantine protocol rather than the CDC 14 day isolation protocol may slow the spread of the virus by catching the 5% of cases who are asymptomatic at 15 to 21 days. A mask will reduce infection rates by asymptomatic carriers, particularly when people vary on their interpretation of social distancing. Social connection by internet should be encouraged. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7014672/figure/f2/
Physical (i.e. social distancing) is an extremely effective way to prevent transmission of SARS-Cov-2. However, it must be strictly enforced. When relaxed the number of new cases increases.
I think as a pneumologist you are aware of some of the transmission modes of SARS-CoV-2. Of course social distancing adds to the prevention of infection. That´s why it is practiced.
Elderly people who are confined inside of nursing care centers are statistically more vulnerable and so some nursing homes are suggesting, some are requiring, that visitors, family members, relatives, colleagues, and friends, refrain from direct contact and utilize the telephone and on-line tele-video meetings on "lap-top" computers, whenever possible. Television news broadcasts are showing family members viewing their elderly relatives through a window while talking to them on the telephone. These are truly heartbreaking times for the elderly who have pre-existing medical conditions that have necessitated 24/7 care by medical professionals, who are also at increased risk. All of this indicates that "Social Distancing" is still the best way to prevent infection by this novel COVID-19 virus.