COVID-19: How to determine which activity is safe and which is worth skipping

Slowly and steadily, the restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus outbreak are being lifted across the country. After months-long lockdown, public places and transportation systems have finally started to function. People are flocking to restaurants and malls, and roads are again packed with vehicles. Watching all these developments makes us realise that life is back on track as it was before the pandemic, but unfortunately, that is not true.

We are still living with the coronavirus pandemic and it isn’t going away anytime soon. The risk of infection is still high and there is no guarantee when the vaccine will be available. The pandemic is still far from over, so we cannot let our guard down. We have to be super cautious and learn to live with it for now. No matter how much the outer world might seem alluring, you need to evaluate the risk of infection before stepping out of your house. It can be difficult to determine what activities and events are safe and which is worth skipping. We have tried to solve this confusion for you.

The three main factors to consider before going out for an activity or an event are the space, time and people.

Time: When visiting outdoors to a public place, it is important to consider the amount of time you are going to spend there. Higher your time limit, greater is your risk of infection.

Space: The second factor is the space where the activity or the event will take place. In a closed and poorly ventilated space, the risk transmission of the virus from one person to the other is higher as compared to outdoors. If it is a close enclosed space then it is better to let go.

People: The last one is to consider the kind of people you will be sharing the space with and how many people you will be interacting with. If there will be only family members then there is a low possibility of infection. But if you will be surrounded by strangers, then you must follow physical distancing and other safety guidelines. Evaluate if it will be possible to maintain the distance, if the people will be wearing masks and will practice good hygiene or not before coming to any conclusion.

Choosing the right activity at this time can be quite tricky, especially when you witness other people around your moving freely in and out. What you need to remember is that your safety is in your hand. Before making any decision, here are a few questions you need to ask yourself.

-What is the rate of infection in the area you are visiting?

-Does the activity demands to come in close contact with other people?

-Are you suffering from any chronic health condition and require special precautionary measures?

-Do you live with someone who is at the risk of severe infection?

-Are you following all the precautionary measures to cut down the risk of infection?

It is difficult to specifically point out which activity is riskier and which one is safe. It entirely depends on the locality and the people around you. That’s why you need to consider your situation and assess the risks involved for you and your family members before attending any public event or going out. Wear a mask at all times, follow hygiene etiquette and try to maintain physical distance.