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Stay Safe: 4 Tips for Going Out During the Corona Crisis
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, each of us must do everything we can as individuals to protect ourselves while in public. Although you might try to remain at home much of the time, you will likely have to shop for groceries or possibly go to work rather than working from home. When you must go out among other people who may be carrying the coronavirus, here are four important tips that can help to keep you safe.
Distance Yourself from Others
Many health experts are recommending that we keep about six feet away from other people in public. We don’t know who is sick, and sometimes those who do have COVID-19 don’t realize it because they are asymptomatic. Maintain a safe distance from others while waiting in line, shopping in stores, and doing business in public offices. If someone steps too close to you, politely edge away.
Avoid Touching Shared Surfaces
While conducting various types of public transactions, you will likely to touch shared services to input your credit card or be given a receipt, for example. Wearing gloves is not recommended as a protective measure. However, you can carry individually wrapped hand sanitizing wipes in a pocket or bag to wipe your hands and any surfaces you use, like a touchpad, to avoid contact and the possibility of contracting COVID-19 that way. Many places of commerce like stores and banks sanitize the premises overnight or first thing in the morning. Try to conduct business at opening time to reduce the amount of exposure to germs.
Wear a Mask
Unless you have a health condition that discourages mask wearing, consider wearing one whenever you go out in public, even if it is not an official state or local mandate. Wearing masks helps you to avoid spreading germs if you are infected and don’t know it. A mask can also help to protect you from other people’s germs. Wash your mask after using it according to laundering guidelines for that type of fabric.
Avoid Crowded Places
Health professionals believe that many people are exposed to COVID-19 in crowded public places like restaurants, bars, and sports events. While an outdoor venue is safer than being inside, you can still catch COVID-19 in a crowd. Wait until the number of cases and deaths in your area decline and the government gives the all-clear alert before mingling too closely with other people.
Hopefully, COVID-19 will fade away soon. Treatments and vaccines are being developed in case it lingers. Meanwhile, do everything you can to protect yourself and others by following these simple, easy steps.
