Understanding how to avoid contracting COVID-19 begins with realizing how hotspots, groups or collections of people who come down with the virus, happen. These hotspots, named after the fact that numerous people in them are exposed and infected at once, have been popping up all over the United States since the pandemic began back in March. The real question is: why do these hotspots happen? Additionally, what makes them likely to keep reoccurring? And most importantly, how can they be avoided? So, let’s explore everything you need to know in order to be proactive and stay safe while avoiding these hotspots.
Community Gatherings
Hotspots tend to occur in places where the community tends to gather. Church services, restaurants, and festivals are examples of places where hotspots have popped up in recent weeks. Large gatherings of people tend to make this more likely, simply because there are more people around to come in contact with each other and become infected. And since the virus is airborne, it is quite contagious and easily spread.
An Infected Person or Two
Hotspots wouldn’t occur without the attendance of a few infected people. One of the issues with COVID-19 is the fact that it can be spread by people who are asymptomatic, or simply showing no signs of sickness. In most cases, they don’t even realize they are infected and spreading their germs to the others around them. In addition, some people who have a slight fever, cough, or show other symptoms may not realize that they have COVID-19, mistaking the illness for something less deadly, like a common cold. When they head out in public and spend time around larger groups of people, they are likely to spread the virus around infecting others – thus, the cycle continues.
A Lack of Social Distancing
Social distancing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It’s important to stay at least six feet away from others while out in public. Scientists have discovered that the virus tends to travel through the air between people, but because of the particles’ weight, they only for a distance of less than six feet, which is where that measurement comes from. In hotspots, people usually ignore this requirement, and remain too close together, making it easier for those particles to spread from one person to another.
Improper Mask Use
Improperly wearing masks while out in public is yet another hotspot factor. You need to wear the right type of mask, as well as wearing it properly, so it covers your nose and mouth. Not only does this offer some protection from other people’s germs, but it also keeps you from potentially spreading COVID-19 as well, should you be one of those unaware asymptomatic people.
How to Proactively Avoid Hotspots
In general, there are several ways to avoid ending up caught in a COVID-19 hotspot. Start by not going to places where the community gathers, such as festivals and fairs. If you can avoid in-person church services and college classes, then do so. Since eating in a restaurant is also a factor, get your meals to go, order in, or cook your own meals. If you absolutely cannot avoid any of these activities, diligently follow the CDC guidelines and recommendations for mask use, social distancing, and sanitation procedures. While it may seem overly simple, staying at least six feet away from others and wearing your mask correctly at all times can keep you from becoming infected, even if a hotspot breaks out near you.