Coronavirus epidemic: Whenever people gather, there are opportunities to spread germs

— By Dr KK Aggarwal

From one recent corporate conference in Boston, where 175 people gathered, COVID 19 spread to more than 100 people. Not every place will be so contagious, but it is impossible to know. Also, you don’t have to have symptoms to be infected and contagious.

US has advised everyone to avoid gatherings of 10 or more for the next 15 days, including restaurants and bars and food courts, along with discretionary travel. If we don’t get within 6 feet of another person, or at least lessen the number of people we let into this 6-foot zone, we will cut our chances of getting sick.

Here are the tips

1. Stay at least 3-6 feet away from other people, if possible.

2. Avoid sports arenas, theatres, museums, bars, restaurants and places where you are likely to come into contact with large numbers of people.

3. Bars and restaurants should close except for takeout and delivery.

4. Stay away from hairdressers, barbers, and nail salons, for instance, because they have to get closer than 6 feet.

5. Sip playdates, parties, sleepovers, or families visiting each other’s houses.

6. Do not visit medical establishments. Find virtual ways, such as FaceTime or Skype video visits, to lessen the social isolation of people in these kinds of facilities.

7. Riding mass transit is a major challenge because it’s hard to stay 6 feet from other straphangers. Having fewer people go to work will help cut the risk for those who don’t have an alternative.

8. Arm yourself with some soap and hand sanitizer

9. Wash your hands frequently and longer than you usually do.

10. Remember mnemonic SUMAN K

11. The recommended length of time for handwashing is 20 seconds, or about as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday to You” through twice.

12. Soap and water are just as good if not better than hand sanitizers.