Going grocery shopping – low to medium risk
First of all, the more crowded the store you’re going to, the greater the risk of exposure to SARS-COV-2. As a good rule of thumb, opt for grocery stores with clear and strict safety practices. “You want to pick a store that’s really paying attention and making it safer for customers to go in,” said Dr. Jessica Justman, an associate professor of medicine in epidemiology at Columbia University
How to lower the risk:
To facilitate social distancing, go to the grocery store early in the morning or late at night, when the store might be less crowded. Use hand sanitizer as often as possible, and “avoid racing to get the last of an item on the shelf. Follow guidelines that may be posted at the store. Be patient,” recommended Dr. Craig Hedberg, a professor in the environmental health sciences division of the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health.
Going to the park – low risk
In outdoor areas, the risk of becoming infected with the novel coronavirus is lower because the virus-bearing particles disperse in the open air much faster than in indoor places. More than that, a park allows for better social distancing. “I count parks as low-risk environments as long as you are wearing masks and keeping that six-foot rule. I’ve seen some city parks that have paint on the grass to help distance people, but they need to follow those rules,” said Kesh.
“I think going outside is important for health,” said Julia L. Marcus, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. “We know that being outdoors is a lower risk for coronavirus transmission than being indoors. On a sunny, beautiful weekend, I think going outside is indicated, but I also think there are things to do to reduce our risk.”
How to lower the risk:
Opt for a park that is closer to your home and not so crowded. The National Park Service is the authority that decides on a park-by-park basis if a national park will open, so stay informed on the rules before heading out.
