Since the start of the pandemic, Canada has reported 1,178,986 cases of COVID-19, with 86,229 cases considered active according to data collected by the Government of Canada. Lockdowns have been up and down, with news of COVID-19 variants creeping up all around us; it has never been more crucial to protect yourself and others.
Some Provinces and cities have started to lift restrictions slowly. As excited as you may be to visit your favorite local establishments, like hitting the gym or grabbing a bite to eat together with friends, and spending time with family as the weather gets better, it is essential not to become relaxed about the COVID-19 pandemic as it’s not going away anytime soon. On top of that, you should wear an ASTM Level 1 Medical Mask on you the whole time, and you do not want to catch the virus!
Table of Contents
Below are the top 5 places where you are likely to come into contact with COVID-19:
But It’s just cold… Don’t visit a Sick Person.
Even if the restrictions are lifted if you have plans with a friend or family member who isn’t feeling 100%? CANCEL! COVID-19 symptoms are varied and may include a headache, fever, runny nose, nausea, or fatigue, according to the CDC. While your friend or family member may think it’s just fatigue or allergies, and it is excellent to hang out, you are putting yourself at risk without a negative COVID-19 test. Refrain from these visits until you know for sure it is not the coronavirus.
Read: Reasons to Wear a Mask in Public
Your Local Bar or Restaurant
Are you thinking of grabbing a drink at your favorite bar, eating at your favorite sushi place? Even if your local establishments are open, it may not be the safest spot when it comes to being infected by COVID-19. The risk is higher, especially if people have taken off their masks to enjoy their meal or drink.COVID-19 is more easily transmitted at a bar or restaurant, according to the CDC. When asked about the riskiest places during the pandemic, health experts are pretty unanimous that those types of places are high-risk.
Working in an Office
While most people miss seeing their coworker in the flesh, health experts don’t endorse returning to business as usual unless you have to. If you share office equipment or chat with coworkers who are not wearing masks (even for a short time, like eating) and one of them has COVID-19, it could quickly spread to you and throughout the whole office. Additionally, break rooms, cafeterias, and other common areas have been the source of many outbreaks during the pandemic — even in the hospital setting.
Read: Social distancing and coronavirus
Dinner at a Friend/Family House
If the inside gathering restrictions are lifted, It is easy to assume that hanging out with a small group of friends at someone’s house is safe. However, according to the CDC, the two most essential elements to stop the transmission of COVID-19 are mask-wearing and social distancing. If you’re at a friend’s house with someone infected, you’re in a dangerous spot. Chances are your friends are not socially distancing or wearing masks while having dinner inside, which may spread the virus to all dinner party attendees—not to mention, there may be poor ventilation. Eating outside is always better than inside.
GYM /Fitness Classes
Many health experts warn that gyms can be risky when it comes to spreading the virus. If your gym/fitness facility is open, ensure they follow guidelines to a tee, and you abide by the rules, then you may not be at high risk for contracting the virus during your workout. Ensure they provide handwashing stations or hand sanitizers with at least 70% alcohol in multiple locations throughout the establishment for workers and patrons. However, if your gym is crowded and the proper protocol doesn’t seem to be in place, consider working out at home to lower your risk.
Recommended Articles:
How to Deal with The COVID Testing Scare?
The Future of Vaccine Development