The COVID-19 pandemic has been dragging on for months now. Just because transmission rates are starting to slow in many areas, doesn't mean it's completely safe to go anywhere you want. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends staying home as much as possible, listening to your local officials' advice on going out, and only visiting public establishments that are enforcing safety guidelines, such as social distancing and mask mandates. Before you head out to stretch your legs, be sure you avoid these seven places that aren't particularly safe to visit during the pandemic. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus.1 BarsCOVID-19 is generally spread from respiratory droplets of an infected person, according to the CDC. A crowded bar without social distancing or mask wearing allows these respiratory droplets to fly. All it takes is one infected person in a crowded bar to potentially spread the virus to several other people. "Public health authorities have identified bars as the locus of outbreaks in Louisiana, Florida, Wyoming and Idaho," according to Kaiser Health News. Even if your area has a low transmission rate right now, consider skipping a night out at an indoor bar to reduce your risk of contracting the virus.2 Sporting EventsProfessional sports are back in action, but you won't see any fans in the stands. That's because a crowded sports stadium could be one of the worst places to visit during a pandemic. If you can remember the atmosphere of a sporting event, it was spectators sitting close to one another and cheering on their team, waiting in long lines for food and restrooms, and tons of frequently touched surfaces. COVID-19 is mainly spread through contact and droplet transmission, as well as airborne transmission, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). A packed stadium at a sporting event is conducive to all types of coronavirus transmission, making it a risky place to be with COVID still around.3 GymsA gym or fitness center used to be a place you'd visit to get yourself healthy. During the time of the pandemic, however, a gym is one of the riskiest places to visit if you're trying to maintain good health. While many fitness centers are taking coronavirus seriously and implementing strict guidelines to keep patrons safe, some establishments may not be as diligent. Without the proper protocol in place, you could find yourself running on a treadmill steps away to an infected exerciser who wears his mask beneath his nose. If you know your gym is following the right procedures to stay safe, you should still use social distancing, wear a mask, sanitize shared equipment before and after use, and make a reservation, if possible, according to the CDC.41 AirportsWhen it comes to flying, you may be more nervous about catching COVID-19 on your flight than when waiting to board. However, being in the air should be the least of your worries. "Modern aircraft have high efficiency air filters similar to those used in hospital operating rooms. They capture more than 99.9% of the airborne microbes in the filtered air," according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The CDC warns that your time in the airport is what's risky, since it can be tough to socially distance yourself from other travelers. You may also touch surfaces that infected people have touched before you, increasing your risk for infection. 5 ChurchesThe gathering of a large group of worshippers inside a church is dangerous for the spread of COVID-19. In March, a church service in Arkansas was responsible for the spread of coronavirus to at least 35 people, according to the CDC. Many religious organizations are getting creative and offering socially distant outdoor services, drive-in services, or virtual services. If your church is open for in-person services, it's not a safe place to be unless capacity is limited, social distancing is enforced, and all attendees wear face masks.6 Beauty Salons or SpasWhen you head in for a haircut, manicure, or facial, you're in close contact with at least one other person. Beauty establishments are expected to follow strict CDC guidelines that include limited capacity and face mask mandates. Even if the proper precautions are taken, there's still a risk involved with beauty services. Limit the danger by following the business's protocols and keeping it quick. "Rather than staying there for four hours for a cut, a highlight, and a blow-dry, you could not do the blow-dry or skip the highlights. Get in and get out," says Dr. Susan Wootton, M.D. from UTHealth.7 Public Trains or BusesWhether you're heading to work or running errands, you may need to use public transportation to get from Point A to Point B. There are many guidelines in place to make a public train or bus less risky for catching coronavirus. However, you'll still be in an enclosed space with a group of people for a period of time, which makes these areas dangerous for spreading the virus. If you must use public transportation during the pandemic, keep yourself updated on the latest services and procedures, avoid touching surfaces, and practice social distancing, the CDC recommends. You should also wash your hands thoroughly before and after your commute. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
