How to socialize in a pandemic

In early March, when most Americans began social distancing, the hope was that life would get back to normal after just a few weeks. It’s become clear now that some distancing will be needed for many more months, or even years, to keep the coronavirus at bay. But quarantine fatigue is real. Abstaining from all social contact for the long haul won’t be a sustainable option for most people. So, how can we make decisions about socializing during the coronavirus pandemic? Risk isn’t binary Public health messaging over the past several months has focused on staying home as much as possible. Staying home alone or with your household members is still the lowest-risk choice you can make with respect to catching or spreading the coronavirus. Being in a crowded indoor environment is the highest-risk choice. But risk isn’t binary, and there’s a lot in between those two options. Thinking about a spectrum of risk can help you choose the lowest-risk options for socializing that will be sustainable for you in the long term. How can you assess the spectrum of risk? The risk of contracting or transmitting the coronavirus depends on many factors. Here are some important considerations when you’re assessing risk to yourself and others. Know what’s happening with virus transmission in your community. Try to keep tabs on what’s happening with community spread where you live. For example, pay attention to whether the number of new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are high or lo...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Coronavirus and COVID-19 Health Infectious diseases Relationships Source Type: blogs