You know that the safest thing to do when faced with the Coronavirus pandemic is to stay at home. But it is not realistic to do that either. It is still unknown when the vaccine will come out. The earliest timeframe of a possible vaccine could be still months away, but even then, you cannot stay at home even for months and never get out.
Yet at the same time, there is the pandemic that is not going anywhere and you will still need to make some sacrifices. Those sacrifices to make will mean you will not do certain activities because of the fact that they will increase your chances of catching the virus. And even if you become asymptomatic or the effects on you are mild, you could pass it to someone else who can’t fight it.
Let’s talk about the 10 activities that expose you to coronavirus, ranked from most to least risky. Don’t miss the chart!
Air Travel – Most Risky
Air travel is the riskiest activity when it comes to your chances of getting the Coronavirus. That is because you are packed in a small space with other people who you don’t know. They could be infected whether they know it or not, and the air circulates around is also unhealthy. People are yelling as well because the plane is loud.
If you absolutely must travel in the air, then wear a mask and go at a flight time where they are very few people. That will lower the risk somewhat.
Going To Bar – Extremely Risky
Bars that have opened up may have reduced the capacity. However, it is still hard to socially distance in a bar as the space is limited. You can’t use a mask when you are drinking, and the other thing is that the more alcohol is consumed, it will alter your thinking and you may get very close to others without realizing it.
Additionally, bars are nosy and you will be raising your voice to the bartender to get what you want. It is really best to avoid bars and stick to enjoying a drink at home or somewhere outdoors away from others.
Going to The Salon – Moderately High Risk
Getting a haircut at a salon may seem harmless but you cannot socially distance from the stylist. Even if you and the stylist are wearing masks, the transmission of infection may be reduced but not prevented.
The best thing to do is to go to the salon at a time when it is going to be very empty whereas no one else will be around to get haircuts. The emptier the salon, the safer it is.
Eating Inside Of A Restaurant – Medium Risk
Restaurants are not going to be open at full capacity, either way, but when you are eating, you cannot wear a mask. And others around you at the restaurant cannot wear a mask while they are eating. Even if the waiter is wearing a mask, it is not possible to socially distance.
It really is best to either eat outdoors where the risk is lower or continue to get takeout. Eating takeout at home may seem quite boring since you have been doing it for months, but unfortunately, what is boring is the safest thing in this case.
Visiting Friends At Home – Medium
You want to see your friends and you should as zoom is not going to be sustainable for the long term. But keep in mind that viruses spread much easily indoors. Even if there is no history of the virus with you or your friend or your contacts or their contacts, the risk is still there. If your friend invites you over or vice versa, it is best to hang out in the backyard. If it is raining, reschedule for a different day.
Going To The Gym – Moderate To Low Risk
The gyms were one of the first things to open and the risk level actually can vary. Firstly, gyms are indoors which increases the risk. However, if the gym is large and the capacity is low, and those working out are staying at their own station, the risk is lower. That is what you opt to do if you must go to the gym.
Grocery Stores – Medium To Low Risk
The management at grocery stores are doing their best to keep their stores sanitized, and many of them mandate masks now. They also try to keep capacity limited and put tape on the floor that gives you the guide where to stand in line to properly socially distance from others in line when you are checking out.
Sure it is ideal to order groceries online but it is not practical since you could be waiting to get your groceries for days. It is best to go at odd times where people are not normally shopping.
Eating On The Outdoor Patio – Low Risk
If the weather is nice and you are bored with eating takeout at home, you can for the most part safely enjoy eating your meal at the restaurant patio outside. The virus does not transmit easily outdoors as long as you are socially distanced from others and sitting at tables spaced apart. The only risk is that you cannot wear a mask when you are eating and neither can others around you. But again, the virus does not transmit easily outdoors.
Seeing Friends Outside – Very Low Risk
If you are seeing your friends outside whether it is in a backyard or at a park, the risk is low. If you are standing 6 feet apart and wearing masks, the risk is very low. Just be mindful to keep your distance. Especially if you are eating takeout with them. Keep your distance especially then when you can’t wear a mask.
Going To A Park By Yourself Or With Your Family – Extremely Low Risk
You don’t even have to wear a mask at a park if you are extremely far from others. The beauty of a park is there is so much space you can choose where you want to go and you can easily socially distance, and beyond if you like. You can have your own quiet space by yourself or with those in your social bubble at a park.
Until a vaccine is here, these are the precautions we have to take at this time during the pandemic. Remember it won’t last forever and we have to make temporary sacrifices.
Experts say it’s important to know the risks of exposure to COVID-19 in everyday activities as cases continue to increase.
According to a graph made by the Texas Medical Association COVID-19 Task Force, physicians ranked on a scale of one to 10 how risky certain activities are to being exposed to COVID-19.
