I'm a Virus Expert and Warn You Don't Go Here Even if Open
COVID-19 guidelines have eased up in my areas thanks to drastically declining cases, but not everyone is on board with looser restrictions. Many experts warn another surge is coming and not enough people have been vaccinated so the virus will easily spread again. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with infectious disease specialist Dr. Javeed Siddiqui MD/MPH, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer at TeleMed2U. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.
Why COVID Likely to Surge Again
Dr. Siddiqui emphasizes, "COVID-19 is NOT gone. Currently, in the United States, we are experiencing a downturn in cases. However, throughout the country, the reported positive tests per day are averaging over 46,000 positive tests. We should note this does not include home-based testing results.In addition, monitoring recent reports on wastewater surveillance testing have indicated a doubling of the number of positive samples in March compared with February.The last 2 years have shown us that w waxing and waning of COVID-19 cases are likely to occur with the emergence of new variants.The pandemic has now become endemic."
Indoor Restaurants / Indoor Bars
Dr. Javeed Siddiqui reminds us, "Individuals at indoor restaurants and bars tend to be in close proximity to one another. It is best to wear a mask while in these places and choose indoor venues that have air circulation/airflow. The close proximity of others makes exposure to the virus more likely. Best precautions when in these types of locations: be vaccinated, if you are not feeling well stay at home, wear a mask and ask others to as well. Please make certain the mask is well-fitting. Also use hand sanitizer frequently, especially if you are shaking hands with others, on that note, it is best to fist or even better to elbow bump."
Indoor Mass Gatherings
Dr. Javeed Siddiqui says, "Individuals who attend large indoor gatherings tend to be in close proximity to one another. It is best to wear a mask while in these places and choose indoor venues that have air circulation/airflow. The close proximity of others makes exposure to the virus more likely. Best precautions when in these types of locations: be vaccinated, if you are not feeling well stay at home, wear a mask and ask others to as well. Please make certain the mask is well-fitting."
Airports and Airplanes
Dr. Javeed Siddiqui states, "Again, individuals at these locations tend to be in close proximity to one another for often prolonged periods. In addition, some airplanes may not bring in fresh air. However, other airplanes are using HEPA filters and circulating fresh air. When at an airport or on an airplane, it is essential to wear a mask. Best precautions when in these types of locations: be vaccinated, if you are not feeling well stay at home, wear a mask and ask others to as well. Please make certain the mask is well-fitting."
Gyms
According to Dr. Javeed Siddiqui, "Being in gyms and fitness centers may pose a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 if they do not have adequate ventilation/air movement. Please keep this in mind when entering a facility. Ask the staff regarding air movement and airflow. See if there are fans or an HVAC system, and you feel the sir blowing/moving. In addition, this applies to fitness classes. Make certain there is air movement and fresh air circulation."
Close Proximity to Others
Dr. Javeed Siddiqui shares, "Finally, the close proximity to others also can increase one's risk of potential exposure. Best precautions when in these types of locations: be vaccinated, if you are not feeling well stay at home, wear a mask and ask others to as well. Please make certain the mask is well-fitting."
How to Stay Safe Out There
Follow the public health fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated or boosted ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
