What public places are dangerous to visit: expert opinion
Health / / December 29, 2020
With the spread of the coronavirus, not everything is as obvious as it seems at first glance. Seemingly harmless activities pose unexpectedly great danger, while a number of places you can visit without special concerns if you follow all preventive measures, wear masks and gloves, and also do not approach people too close.
Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at Tulane University, toldwhich places to visit are relatively safe, and which is better to refuse until the end of the pandemic. Although many establishments are still closed, and any mass events are prohibited, we have included them in the list - the information will be relevant as the restrictions are lifted.
High risk
Crowded family celebrations
We are talking about cases when you want to celebrate a birthday with relatives with whom you live separately. You are unlikely to wear masks and keep your distance from each other. If you are still sure that it is necessary to gather, at least make sure that each guest works or studies from home, does not visit many friends, and follows preventive measures.
Bars
Bars and pubs are not a place where it is customary to avoid other people: people sit down with other visitors, get to know each other, chat, friends try each other's cocktails. Plus, under the influence of alcohol, you're not likely to be as circumspect as usual. According to the expert, the bars should be closed until the pandemic ends completely.
Churches
Kissing icons, communion from the same goblet of wine and services where people stand close to each other are incredibly dangerous. You can go to church, but only if you wear a mask and gloves, keep your distance from other parishioners and avoid rituals in which you need to kiss, eat, drink, and touch to others.
Cinemas, theaters and sporting events
Movie theaters and sporting events should be avoided even after the restrictions have been lifted. The most dangerous are crowds and queues to enter and exit. Even if you observed a social distance in the queue, beware of cramped halls and stands: sitting in an area with an infected person, you risk getting infected yourself.
GYM's
If you can't give up the gym (when they open, of course), you should wear and change masks regularly. Exercise equipment and any equipment should be disinfected after each use, and staff should ensure social distancing of visitors.
Moderate risk
Restaurants and cafes
Going to restaurants is dangerous as many people sit indoors for hours. To reduce the risk, you need to wear a mask until you are served food, and put on a new one at the end of the meal if you plan to sit and talk with friends.
Hairdressers and beauty salons
These establishments are still closed in many regions, but may open at the next stage of the release from quarantine. If you decide to put yourself in order, you must wear a mask and refrain from procedures in which a specialist will touch your face. This includes peels, facial massage and other similar services. Avoid salon makeup, eyelash extensions, and eyebrow shaping if possible.
A date or meeting with a small group of loved ones
As in the case of the first point, we are talking about people who do not live with you. The precautions here are the same as when visiting a restaurant. The place is also of great importance: in Moscow, such a meeting will be potentially more dangerous than in a small city with a dozen cases of infection all the time.
Beaches
It is enough to keep your distance from other vacationers to protect yourself and spend a pleasant day in the sun. It is important to be careful when entering: in some southern cities, they may not be wide enough for two people to pass at the same time, keeping a couple of meters apart.
Low risk
Summer cafes and tables on the veranda
Restaurants with an open air area are relatively safe if the distance between tables is about two meters. But you should still use a mask and clean your hands after you have flipped through the menu (if reusable) and taken spices or sauces from the table.
Outdoor activity
Walking in the park, hiking and travel is relatively safe: no need to worry if you passed next to someone else - the main thing is that you do not touch other people and no one coughs or sneezes nearby. But if possible, still keep your distance where possible. If you are not planning to get out alone, stay with the people you live with to minimize the chance of infection.
The shops
Shopping at grocery stores and malls is relatively safe as long as you keep your distance and wear a mask. At the same time, Haasig clarifies that fitting rooms should be closed - otherwise, all the things that someone measured should be quarantined for two days. It is believed that this time is enough for the death of the pathogen COVID-19 on the tissue. The most dangerous place is the ticket office. Avoid touching the cashier counter with your hands, keep a distance in line and pay with a card or smartphone with NFC.
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5 524 550
in the world353 427
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