As the world begins to open back up, many people are in a dilemma if it’s safe to date and bring a new person. For some countries, unlocking means back to the previous experience of going to the gym and enjoying meals in restaurants. But the truth is it is still not safe to hang out.
Should we still be sticking to video calls, or is it safe to see friends right now? Marcus Plescia, MD, MPH, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, says it’s okay to meet people in person, but you have to follow more than a few rules if you do.
To protect yourself from Coronavirus, there are a few things that should keep in mind before you decide to see people.
How to decide and know if it is safe to get socially active amidst the Corona pandemic.
How many people can I hang out with?
Connie Steed, MSN, RN, president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, keep the number of people small in gatherings.
“There’s some analysis out there that suggests [gathering with] less than ten people,” says Steed. “Ten is still too much to invite even. As the group gets bigger, people forget about that six-foot rule, and they get closer together.
Which is the best place to see friends?
It is best to hang out outside, you can fix to hang out in the park near your house, but if you have your own outdoor space, you can start inviting people. If it is a green backyard of your home, you can control things and maintain safety.
Can someone walk through my house to get to my balcony or to use the restroom?
Dr. Plescia says Yes, but you’ll want to make sure everyone is taking precautions of not touching anything. It is not that you want to go through the life of being worried and suspicious of everybody. Still, anybody can be a source of spreading the infection. In this case, particularly with the situation, we have what people are sometimes asymptomatic for periods when they are infectious. You may want to make a particular point when finished to clean all surfaces, and many doors handle carefully.
Get adapted to socially distant hangouts to keep things simple. Try just chilling and chatting instead of also serving food. It is difficult to get used to not shaking hands when you see any old or new friend.
Please keep your hands sanitized, surrounding disinfected, and remember to use tissue paper while handing them a fork.
Shall we wear masks even if we stay 6 feet apart?
Wearing a mask is only precaution to protect yourselves, even if you get a little closer than six feet, it is okay.
What if my friend and me only want to see each other? Can we hang out indoors without a mask?
It’s not a horrible idea, but you’ve got to be careful. If you do it, you’ve got to keep a tab on where they go and whom they meet. The virus spreads in public areas like the grocery store, banks etc.
