What public places are dangerous to visit: expert opinion

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

About bars, beaches and parks.

With the spread of the coronavirus, not everything is as obvious as it seems at first glance. Seemingly harmless activity poses an unexpectedly great danger, while you can visit a number of places without any particular fears if you follow all preventive measures, wear masks and gloves, and also do not get too close to people.

Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at Tulane University, discusses which places are relatively safe to visit and which ones are best avoided 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 get together, 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 the 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 are unlikely 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 worshipers, and avoid rituals in which you need to kiss, eat, drink, or touch 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 again.

Hairdressers and beauty salons

These establishments are still closed in many regions, but may open at the next stage of the exit 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 with the first point, we are talking here 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 for the entire time.

The 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 flipping through the menu (if reusable) and taking spices or sauces off the table.

Outdoor activity

Walking in the park, hiking and traveling are relatively safe: do not worry if you walked 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 things that someone measured should be quarantined for two days. It is believed that this time is sufficient for the death of the pathogen COVID-19 on the tissue. The most dangerous place is the ticket office. Try not to touch the cashier counter with your hands, keep a distance in line and pay with a card or smartphone with NFC.

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