Coronavirus: High risk activities that make you prone to catching COVID-19

As coronavirus cases in the country continue to rise, authorities have urged people to take all the necessary steps to prevent them. With a highly infectious Omicron variant on the loose, it has become all the more important to follow COVID-appropriate behavior. That said, while wearing your masks, maintaining social distance and adhering to proper hand hygiene are the need of the hour, keeping away from certain activities may also ensure your safety.

Also read: How severe is Omicron? Know what scientists across the world are saying

Whether you're planning to go somewhere by air or are looking forward to a train or a bus trip, remember that by doing so, you're not only putting yourself at risk, but are increasing other people's chances of contracting the virus, in case you are asymptomatic. Given the high infectivity rate of the virus and the fact that it can spread just by close contact, traveling is definitely a risky activity. Using public transport by any means is a risk, since there is no way you can stay 6 feet apart from others. Additionally, you're more prone to touch a contaminated surface, which is one way to pass the virus too.

The novel coronavirus is highly infectious and can spread by close contact, which is why experts urge people to avoid crowded places. Apart from that, it is believed that the SARs-COV-2 virus may spread more rampantly in an enclosed, poorly ventilated, crowded indoor setting. This, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is because "aerosols can remain suspended in the air or travel farther than conversational distance." That is why, eating inside a crowded restaurant is certainly very unsafe, especially when a heavily mutated variant like the Omicron is running freely among people.

Although New Years is over, people find different reasons to party and have fun. However, if you're planning to host a house party or attend one now, then it's definitely a bad idea. As mentioned before, coronavirus is an extremely transmissible respiratory infection, which can also travel by air. It is therefore important to remember it is much easier for the virus to spread at an indoor social gathering, since it involves many people talking, laughing, shouting, sneezing and touching surfaces that could be contaminated.

If you're planning to get a haircut at the salon, it's best to avoid it for now. This activity puts you at great risk, since you're not only breathing the same air as your barber or the stylist, but are also very close to them. While wearing a mask sure does protect you from catching an infection, it does not make you invincible.

Movie theaters are the most crowded, especially when you have a blockbuster film playing on screen. But because it's crowded, you're more likely to get infected by the virus. Since COVID-19 can cause mild to moderate to severe infections, some people can also be asymptomatic. That said, even if the person sitting next to you in the theatre may seem fine, there is absolutely no telling if he or she is positive with the virus. The best way to protect yourself currently is by staying home and going outside only when necessary.

The need to shop never really subsides. However, going shopping amid rising COVID-19 cases can be extremely dangerous. Shopping malls can be a great hotspot for the virus, given that it is always very crowded and that is an indoor setting. There's a high chance that we may unknowingly come in contact with an infected person or may touch a contaminated surface. This is why we must avoid such spaces and even if we visit, taking precautionary measures is very important.

COVID-19 vaccines are the best available protection we have against the SARs-COV-2 virus. According to experts, getting yourself vaccinated should be prioritized at all costs. However, being fully vaccinated does not guarantee protection from contracting the virus. Rather it only prevents severe illness, reduces your chances of hospitalization and minimizes the risk of death. That said, continue taking all necessary precautions. Wear your mask and maintain social distancing. Most importantly, avoid unnecessary and unsafe activities.