In the last year of the pandemic, the world has been waiting for the introduction of a COVID-19 vaccine, in the hope that immunity could be achieved and life would return to normal. However, now that two of these vaccines have arrived and people are getting their first and second doses, it is clear that things will not change overnight. In addition, the detection of new variants of the virus, considered more transmissible than the original – and possibly more deadly – makes it more important than ever to protect yourself and others from being infected. During the Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House on Friday, the new Director of Centers for Disease Control and PreventionRochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, warned that doing certain things will put your life at risk. Keep reading to find out what they are – and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss out on these Clear signs that you’ve had the coronavirus.
First, she strongly suggests wearing a mask. “Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others, “writes the CDC on its website. Who should be masked? Anyone over the age of two should wear masks in public environments, such as public and mass transportation, at events and meetings – wherever they are close to other people. “We know that viruses mutate and tend to mutate in ways that are beneficial to the virus,” explained Dr. Walensky. “We expected that, which is why I feel compelled to to emphasize to you the need for each of us to remain unshakable in our commitment to take all appropriate measures to protect ourselves and our communities. ”Starting with your mask.
Dr. Walensky emphasizes the importance of social distance. “Stay two meters away,” she says. The CDC suggests maintaining this distance whenever you are around other people who do not live in your home.
Think of COVID as a numbers game: the more people in a space, the greater the potential for dissemination. “Being in the middle of crowds, as in restaurants, bars, fitness centers or cinemas, increases the risk of contracting COVID-19,” wrote the CDC on its website.
Dr. Walensky strongly encourages to avoid “poorly ventilated spaces.” On the CDC website, they emphasize that the most risky indoor locations are those “that do not offer fresh air from outside as much as possible”. If indoors, they suggest opening windows and doors. “If you want to spend more time with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is the safest choice!”
You may want to consider canceling any travel plans. “Now is not the time to travel,” says Dr. Walensky. “If you decide to travel, follow the CDC guidelines and be aware that you must wear a mask while traveling,” she recommends.
Last but not least, get the vaccine when you can. “When it’s your turn, please roll up your sleeve and get vaccinated,” she asks.
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“If we do all of these things, there will be less spread of the virus and conditions can prove that production variants are reduced,” concluded Dr. Walensky. So follow all the recommended basics and help stop this wave, no matter where you live – use a face mask, social distance, avoid large crowds, do not go home with people you are not sheltering (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, be vaccinated when it is available to you and to protect your life and the lives of others, no visit none of these 35 places you’re most likely to reach COVID.