What is the COVID-19 risk level for activities with friends?

Dinner at an outdoor restaurant with another couple. yoga Class with several colleagues. Backyard BYOB drinks and family appetizers you are familiar with, so The kids it can play.. Family gathering On the beach Before the oldest cousin goes to college. Friend’s wedding Across state boundaries..

These days, deciding whether to attend a social gathering is much more complicated than just checking the calendar. There are COVID-19s to consider. In addition, there are no clear guidelines for social distance that can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection.

Before you start interacting with friends and family outside the bubble:

• Think about how much risk you have when socializing with COVID-19.
• Consider whether you are willing to pass the risk on to others.
• Balance these risks with the value this event will give you. Self-separation For example, if you mean to meet your grandson for the first time, you may be at risk.

When making a decision, keep in mind how the virus spreads. Dr. Graham Snyder, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, said he was exposed to water droplets primarily when he was close to an ill person. .. Therefore, we want to reduce our exposure to those droplets.

In lower risk activities, outdoors, follow social rules, wear masks, and contact only a few people. Crowded bar Brings more risk. “As you escalate in stages, you are more likely to encounter carriers and asymptomatic people. Snyder calls for personal judgment about how much risk you are taking.” Said.

Ask yourself or your host these questions about social gathering guidelines to help you decide if you are among social people:

Even at social parties and small gatherings, there is always a risk. “All other questions are ways to mitigate risk. Risk never goes to zero. Be aware there is risk,” says the biocontainment unit at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore. Christopher Sulmonte, project manager, said.

“The chances of being infected indoors are much higher,” Sulmonte said. “That’s a big difference.” Outside, airflow is far more likely to drive droplets away and reduce the risk of inhalation.

Can the windows be opened if the event is indoors? And do you have enough space for people to be socially distanced?

“If people wear masks, the drops they are calling are less likely to enter the air. More and more data show that wearing masks is effective in preventing infections. “, said Snyder.

Many states have limits on the number of people who can gather indoors and outdoors. The larger the population, the more likely you are to have a coronavirus. You may also get sick before symptoms appear and spread COVID-19.

“Keep the group small and if someone is contagious, the number of people affected will be smaller,” Snyder said. From his window you can see a park visited by dozens of people Get together for a barbecue.. “That’s obviously too much, especially unmasked,” he said.

It is important to remember that the longer a person is, the higher the risk.

Any sick person should stay home. Also, a person who has been informed that he has been infected with COVID-19 can be infected for up to 14 days, even if he has no symptoms at all. Therefore, they need to be self-isolated for 14 days.

According to Snyder, keeping hands clean is important. If you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your mouth, nose, or perhaps your eyes, you can get a virus. Soap and water are best. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an option.

Beyond state boundaries, you may need to be self-isolated 14 days before the event, as it was held, or at home when you returned.

Sulmonte recommends being positive about the precautions you are taking. “Open a conversation by showing the effort, kindness, and work you are doing,” he said. “Let’s show that we are doing our best to be safe and reduce risk.”

Areas with high overall infection rates are more likely to encounter sick people. “There are many communities in the United States. [of infection] And almost no community. It’s always changing, it’s changing throughout the pandemic. “Snyder said.