Spring has arrived, but for many people, the pandemic still exists in high severity. It can be easy to fall into a more leisurely approach while going outside, especially as news arises about vaccinations, easing of restrictions, and Covid rates dropping overall. However, often this creates a false sense of security because while all of this news has created a more positive prospect for many people, we still need time and effort in place to continue slowing the spread, which means understanding how the virus spreads both indoors and outdoors.
Covid-19 can exist in any space, even in spaces where social distancing protocols are followed. We’re here to lighten up the situation and explain the best guidelines to follow for both public spaces and inside your home during the pandemic.
The Risks of Spread Both Indoors and Outdoors
All of our efforts over the last year have been focused not necessarily on reducing physical contact but more on reducing aerosol behavior caused by talking, sneezing, coughing, and sniffling. Social distancing, wearing masks, and washing our hands are still in place because viruses spread through airborne particles and respiratory droplets. Any areas where moisture exists allow the COVID-19 virus to spread quickly and that means that many of our public venues have to be limited drastically to prevent this spread.
So, how does this apply to you? Here’s our short guide for reducing the spread both indoors and outdoors:
Reducing COVID-19 Spread Indoors:
- If you work within a public workspace, the EPA and CDC offer complete guidance on how to clean and disinfect areas throughout the space, including what products to use while cleaning doorknob handles, phones, toilets, and other areas of constant use.
- Ventilate the rooms with fresh, external air. Ventilating the air will prevent virus particles from accumulating inside, as poor air circulation can cause those particles to live longer on surfaces and in the air.
- Make sure to postpone or adjust activities if they require physical attendance, use online programs to organize events, and limit attendance overall for businesses.
- For families, families with vulnerable members should be provided a safe space that’s regularly disinfected and ventilated. Those healthy should continue cleaning habits and cover coughs and sneezes.
Reducing Covid-19 Spread Outdoors:
- Avoiding spaces that are crowded will significantly reduce the spread.
- For public amenities, such as grocery stores, wearing your mask both inside and out will ensure protection.
- Wash your hands or use 99% proof hand sanitizer several times a day while outside.
- Avoid touching your face and mask while outside while interacting with the world.
- Ensure a proper distance of at least 6ft away from the person next to you.
How To Protect Yourself and Others
Assessing your risks highly depends on where you are, and for some, that means more periods of quarantining and less outdoor contact. For everyone, these restrictions are still in place in varying degrees as a way to protect ourselves and others from the COVID-19 virus. As the vaccines continue to show promise and more people begin to have access, caution is still necessary for the time being.
