WHAT TO AVOID

Safety standards for combatting COVID-19 change often as research reveals new and different facets of the virus itself, how it spreads and how it affects those infected. Sometimes standards change from one county to the next not to mention a variety of different state standards across the country. A link to the Federal guidelines as issued by the Centers for Disease Control is provided at the end of this article where another link provides access to detailed tips on how to stay safe during this extended pandemic.

Common sense and online research suggests the following:
There are several facets of this coronavirus that bear mentioning:
  • A large percentage of people infected do not display any symptoms: Most public health experts believe that 50% of infections are asymptomatic. This basically means that anyone you come in contact with could be infected and not know it. That includes close friends and family. Face masks protect us all from those asymptomatic.
  • Those living in rural areas used to feel protected: That is no longer the case. The spring surge affected mostly urban areas. The summer surge in the south and west was limited to those states. The fall/winter surge centered in the midwest affects rural areas disproportionately. The only difference in virus vulnerability is that those in rural areas tend to also not take precautions as seriously. 
  • Recommendations change as new research comes in. It is presently thought that infection primarily takes place through the airborne transmission of droplets from infected people which are left hanging in the air and less so through touching tainted surfaces. Those droplets spread farther when people sing or speak loudly as in church, bars or fitness classes. Mask use helps to keep those infected from infecting others in this way. Regardless, it is clear that spread happens most reliably when sharing space with others indoors. Be prudent and use hand washing and mask and eye protection extensively.

What to avoid to stay safe from COVID-19:

Behaviors to steer clear of, especially if you fall into a high risk category or if cases are rising significantly in your area:
  • In general, avoid being indoors with others unless you live with them. Particularly avoid being indoors with people who are not wearing a mask. The smaller the indoor space the more dangerous.
  • Keep in mind that indoor gathering places like churches, restaurants, bars, wine tastings, public transportation, taxis, classrooms, family get togethers are very high risk events. If you must participate, use all precautions and insist that others do as well. If you are at high risk for catching the virus, stay home. CDC analysis has found that those infected visited restaurants twice as often as those not infected in the 14 days prior to testing.
  • Avoid group living situations like senior residences, board and care residences, acute care facilities. Be extremely cautious around caregivers, protecting them as much as possible to prevent resident outbreaks.
  • Don't drive with others, except those you live with. An auto is the most enclosed space of all.
  • Don't be around others who refuse to use these guidelines. If that is not possible, take as many precautions as you can and remove yourself as quickly as possible.
  • Research is not settled regarding outdoor activity: Outdoor dining or wine tasting is less risky than indoor restaurants or bars, although outdoor dining is not risk free. Outdoor group activity like camping, ball games, family get togethers should be avoided if people are not observing social distancing. Political campaign events that are held outdoors with few wearing masks are high risk events because of the loud voices, close proximity + careless behavior and therefore active virus load. 
  • If you are in a high risk category, stay home. (Dr. Anthony Fauci and his wife socialize with a maximum of 2 other people at a time. They socially distance, wear masks and visit outdoors only.)
According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the majority of COVID-19 infections happen at one of 5 places:
  • Restaurants.
  • Bars.
  • Cafes.
  • Hotels.
  • Houses of Worship.

Exercising to improve your balance and prevent falls is one of the best ways to stay active while isolating at home. The Building Better Balance DVD classes are perfect for this purpose. They are fun, easy and effective. I enjoyed making them so much that it is fun to do the exercises with me. And there is much explanation that you can safely do the exercises while in the privacy of your own home.

A recent customer wrote to me last week. She did her first class of the Building Better Balance DVD series and she said she immediately felt so much looser and better. Take advantage of the hibernation that COVID-19 has presented us with and start a new project. Join me as we make our balance better.

Published July 7, 2020
Revised December 11, 2020