Let’s face it, Coronavirus is closing in on us and as time passes we know more and more people (close friends, family, friends of friends) who are getting infected. As someone who is still lucky enough to not have been in contact with the virus, I am becoming more and more weary about which routine activities could potentially expose me to COVID-19.
The truth is, most of the things we regularly do can expose us. This blog post is not meant to make you paranoid but rather give you some perspective on the activities you are pursuing right now.
Lowest Risk: 1
Opening the mail
To be extra safe, when I receive packages I disinfect them before opening and wash my hands immediately after opening and disposing the boxes/envelopes.
Low Risk: 2
Getting restaurant takeout
Pumping gasoline
Playing tennis
Going camping
Washing your hands and wearing a mask to protect others you might come in contact with is a great way to lower your risk.
Low-Moderate Risk: 3
Grocery shopping
Going for a walk, run, or bike ride with others
Playing golf
We can’t avoid grocery shopping (although getting most of my groceries delivered from Imperfect Foods has been a game changer), we also need exercise and fresh air. Again, face mask usage, washing your hands and not touching your face will lower your risk of infection. Not sure that golfing should be high up on your list right now, but to each their own!
Low-Moderate Risk: 4
Staying at a hotel for two nights
Sitting in a doctor’s waiting room
Going to a library or museum
Eating in a restaurant (outside)
Walking in a busy downtown
Spending an hour at a playground
I haven’t done any of these activities rather than eating outside at a restaurant. I’ve felt extremely safe at places I’ve gone recently in Houston (Coltivare, Velvet Taco, Cantina Barba, Bacco, and Common Bond). However, I bring my hand sanitizer, wear my mask when walking in, walking to the restroom or talking to the waiter for an extended period of time, I wash my hands and avoid touching my face. I also look for places that aren’t super crowded, as this obviously increases your changes of coming in contact with the virus.
Moderate Risk: 5
Having dinner at someone else’s house
Attending a backyard barbecue
Going to a beach
Shopping at a mall
Proceed with extra caution with these activities. You should avoid these if at all possible in my opinion.
Moderate Risk: 6
Sending kids to school, camp, or day care
Working a week in an office building
Swimming in a public pool
Visiting an elderly relative or friend in their home
Avoid, avoid avoid! I know some people cannot avoid working in an office building, I’ve been lucky enough to continue to work from home but if you must go into the office please remember to keep your mask on and be constantly washing and sanitizing your hands.
Moderate-High Risk: 7
Going to a hair salon or barbershop
Eating in a restaurant (inside)
Attending a wedding or funeral
Traveling by plane
Playing basketball
Playing football
Hugging or shaking hands when greeting a friend
It’s really tempting to do all of these right now, especially traveling on a plane when flights are so cheap. Now is not the time though, your health comes first, babes!
High Risk: 8
Eating at a buffet
Working out at a gym
Going to an amusement park
Going to a movie theater
NOPE!
High Risk: 9
Attending a large music concert
Going to a sports stadium
Attending a religious service with 500-plus worshipers
Going to a bar
Most of these activities are banned right now in most of the country, but as cities continue to open up keep this level of risk in mind when considering going to any of these places.
Please note that I am not a medical professional, however I did get this information from the Texas Medical Association. As always, please consult with your doctor for further information on how to protect yourself from COVID-19.
Stay safe out there, babes and wear a mask!
xo,
