Right before the coronavirus pandemic became a part of global culture, I was looking forward to seeing a comic book movie.
Iwas making plans to visit my local mall and see Vin Diesel in Bloodshot.
OK, laugh all you want, but I like Vin Diesel a lot. He’s an awful actor without a shred of self-awareness to self-perceive just how awful he is.
There’s something magnificently obscene about that.
Anyway, as the gravity of the coronavirus pandemic hit me, I began to realize how seriously life would change.
The thought of everyone on Earth wearing a mask sounds like a concept in a clever independent sci-film.
Also, the creepiest aspect of the virus are the characteristics of those who transmit the virus the most.
According to the CDC, over 35% of all COVID-19 infections are asymptomatic. Some asymptomatic carriers never get sick or show visible symptoms. Still, they can spread the virus via droplets. Some spread the virus before symptoms even appear.
The most horrifying aspect of COVID-19 is that while sneezing people with fevers are ostracized, asymptomatic carriers continually infect others without mitigation.
Meanwhile, all 50 states have partially or fully reopened.
As much as I wanted to see Bloodshot, I have no plans to visit a mall anytime soon.
I’m not worried about someone with a fever or a sniffly nose. Those people are easy to avoid.
I’m more worried about being infected by an asymptomatic carrier and being unable to work.
And, I’m not alone.
Over 55% of Americans think the country is reopening too fast. 43% will shop less in public than before the pandemic struck. 50% of Americans say their finances were negatively affected by the pandemic.
A Happy Middle?
No, we can’t stay inside forever. No one wants that, and it’s an untenable concept.
However, I’m not rushing out to augment other people’s delusions that COVID-19 is a hoax or political scam either.
So, I looked up which activities were the riskiest to engage in as the public opens.
Riskiest to Least-Risky
If you’re worried which activities puts your health at risk, and your ability to work if you’re lucky to be working, here they are:
Mass Gatherings With Family and Friends (Risky)
TV news personality Chris Cuomo talked in live interviews with his brother, NY governor Andrew Cuomo, about emotional conflict concerning their mother.
Chris wanted to invite his mother to stay with him. Governor Cuomo, advised by Dr. Anthony Fauci, believed that doing such would endanger her to COVID-19 exposure.
The mother is safe, but as we all know, Chris Cuomo and his wife would later test positive for the coronavirus.
This isn’t a condemnation of either brother. It is just an example of an issue affecting tens of millions.
It isn’t possible to social distance with relatives.
You have a higher risk of infection interacting with relatives who don’t live with you. Social gatherings with friends and relatives offer no incentive to wear masks.
If you organize a family gathering, consider the ages of people invited and their potential for exposure.
Remember that everyone at the event is being exponentially exposed to infection via the unknown social contacts of each person in attendance.
Bars and Restaurants (Risky)
Patronizing bars and restaurants is a very high risk activity now.
Even with social distancing standards and establishments opening at 25% to 50% capacity, you’ll still risking exposure.
Bars and restaurants exist as social gathering centers. People congregate, mingle, and get close together. Also, alcohol lowers inhibitions and clouds decision-making abilities. That isn’t a good mix in the middle of a pandemic.
Think about how many people have previously sat in the areas you’ll be sitting in.
You may be breathing air that may contain infectious, microscopic droplets deposited there by other people.
Studies have shown that restaurants could act as facilitators to spread the virus.
If a restaurant has air conditioning, the recirculating air can infect people if the air contains infectious droplets. This phenomenon happened in Wuhan, China on January 23, 2020. Nine people dining at separate tables were infected because one infected person, an elderly woman, was in the area. The dining tables were spaced 14-feet apart.
You probably won’t wear a mask in these environments. You’ll be mingling and occupying the same spaces with strangers.
Why would you want to use a public restroom in a bar or restaurant at this time?
We’re in the middle of a pandemic. You’re better off drinking, socializing, and learning to cook at home with the relatives you live with.
If you do venture to a restaurant, visit one that offers outdoor dining.
Movie Theaters (Risky)
No matter the capacity limits, you’re still occupying space with strangers, many of whom may be asymptomatic.
Also ask yourself: how would you react if someone seated near you began coughing or sneezing in a movie theater? Would you still be able to focus on the film?
You’re probably better off binge-watching films and TV shows at home.
Places of Worship (Medium Risk)
If allowed in your state or city, you should inquire about implemented safety standards.
If there was any time in history when people are in desperate need of pious hope, the solace of prayer, and the comfortability that comes with religious congregation, it’s now. That still doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t assess your risk of infection.
I won’t tell you not to worship.
But you must consider the exposure risk to yourself and your loved ones at home.
The state of Texas began reopening places of worship on May 2.
By May 14, the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Houston had to close again.
A priest at that church contracted the coronavirus and died on May 13.
He infected 5 of the church’s congregants with coronavirus, and possibly more.
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston released a public statement on the matter:
“If you have attended Masses in person at Holy Ghost Church since the reopening on May 2nd, you are strongly encouraged to monitor your health for any symptoms and be tested for COVID-19, as a precautionary measure.”
Assessing Risk
Your greatest probability of infection occurs in enclosed environments.
You’re at risk whenever you go to the supermarket, but we can’t stop going there.
Social distance yourself from others at all times if you’re at the beach, go hiking, or go for a walk. As long as you are not congregating in crowded public areas, then your risk of infection in public areas is appreciably lower than it is in enclosed places.
If you’re going to go to a gym, nail salon, and so forth, call or email beforehand about their COVID-19 preventative guidelines.
Appreciate that the more time you spend in enclosed spaces, then your exposure risk multiples.
Otherwise, you’re playing Russian Roulette with your health and the health of your family.
And, your ability to work and make money in a time when tens of millions have been forcibly unemployed.
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Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.