What's Safe? What's Risky? Tips for Our New Normal
As we navigate our new normal, it's important to understand what activities and behaviors are considered safe or risky. Here are some tips to help you make informed decisions:
Safe:
- Outdoor Activities: Spending time outdoors is generally considered safe, especially in open areas with good air circulation. Take walks, have picnics, or engage in outdoor sports while maintaining social distancing.
- Virtual Socialization: Video calls, online gaming, and virtual meetups allow you to stay connected with friends and family without physical contact.
- Hand Hygiene: Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is crucial in preventing the spread of germs. Carry hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.
- Mask-Wearing: Wearing face masks in public indoor spaces and crowded outdoor areas is still recommended to reduce transmission of respiratory droplets.
- Vaccinations: Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and staying up-to-date with booster doses is essential for personal protection and reducing community spread.
- High-Quality Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in indoor spaces by opening windows, using fans, or running air purifiers with HEPA filters.
Risky:
- Crowded Indoor Gatherings: Avoid large indoor gatherings, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. If attending, maintain social distancing, wear masks, and follow safety protocols.
- High-Contact Sports: Sports that involve close physical contact, such as wrestling or team sports, carry a higher risk of transmission. Consider alternative activities that allow for social distancing.
- Non-Essential Travel: International travel, especially to high-risk areas, increases the chance of contracting and spreading the virus. Stay informed about travel advisories and quarantine requirements.
- Unnecessary Close Contact: Avoid prolonged close contact with individuals outside your immediate household, especially if they are unvaccinated or have symptoms of illness.
- Lax Safety Measures: Ignoring or disregarding public health guidelines, such as mask-wearing or social distancing, increases your risk of exposure to the virus.
Remember, the situation can evolve over time, so it's important to stay updated with official guidelines and recommendations from public health authorities in your area.