Test your knowledge by answering the questions in blue. Answer key below.
Like many others, I now truly grasp the concept of being stir-crazy. I find myself practically running at the chance to drive somewhere, anywhere! Heck, sometimes I just get in my car and cruise around the block a few times to get out of the house.
Many of us are craving the opportunity to do something non-essential. How much risk is really involved and what questions should we ask before venturing out? The following information comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Medical Association.
How many people will I interact with?
The fact is, the more people you interact with, the higher your chances are of contracting or spreading the virus. This seems like a no brainer – wear masks, use hand sanitizer, and stay six feet away. Probability of contracting COVID-19 increases as you gather with those outside of your own household and do so indoors.
What are the orders in my community?
When your local community has a face mask order in place, abide by it! Review information from your local health department to find out information like crowd size, business closure or reopening.
Will I have to share any items, equipment, or tools with other people?
Did you answer yes to this question? You may want to rethink the activity. Best practices indicate that limited sharing is preferred. When items are shared, like grocery carts, ensure that they are being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Do I live with someone who is at risk for severe illness?
If you live with an older adult, or someone with underlying conditions, you may re
evaluate your activity. When planning to go shopping in a grocery store, consider ordering curbside. If you plan to eat at a restaurant, order take-out instead.
These were just a few examples from the CDC. Get more answers to frequently asked questions here. For more activity rankings, see the entire graphic from the Texas Medical Association here.
Answers:
- Camping vs. Takeout: According to the Texas Medical Associatin, both of these scored as equally low risk.
- Dinner at Friends vs. Hotel: Staying at a hotel for two nights is less risky then having dinner at someone else’s house.
- Plane vs. Movie: Traveling by plane scored a 7 (mod-high risk) while going to the movies scored a 9 (high risk).
- Gym vs. Office: Going to the gym is ranked as high risk. Working at an office is listed as moderate.