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The Activities That Heighten COVID-19 Transmission Risks

Which activity puts you at the highest risk of contracting Covid-19? It's not a trip to the grocery store or a quick stop at the gas station; there is an even higher-risk activity that you need to be aware of.

Administrator

27 July, 2024

The COVID-19 situation has been evolving with increasing complexity worldwide, including in Vietnam. Unpredictable developments have been observed in Ho Chi Minh City’s districts, with new cases continuously being recorded.

Therefore, it is crucial to adhere strictly to the 5K rules set by the Ministry of Health and be mindful of high-risk activities that can increase the chances of COVID-19 infection, as mentioned below.

Listed below are activities that pose varying levels of risk for COVID-19 infection, ranked from high to low, according to research by doctors in the COVID-19 expert group and the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA) Infectious Diseases Committee using a 1-10 point scale.

1. Activities that increase the risk of COVID-19 infection according to TMA:

Activities with the highest risk of COVID-19 infection:

Going to gyms, movie theaters, parks, and bars entails the highest COVID-19 infection risk.

Engaging in activities like eating at buffets, working out at gyms, visiting movie theaters, amusement parks, sports stadiums, and attending large gatherings such as concerts, religious events, and prayers, or patronizing bars, carries a high risk of infection.

The situation in India serves as a stark example, where a combination of public complacency and government unpreparedness led to a devastating outbreak. This was exacerbated by operating movie theaters and sports stadiums at full capacity and allowing Hindu religious pilgrimages to continue.

Activities with a moderately high risk of COVID-19 infection:

Getting a haircut, eating out, traveling by plane or train, and playing team sports carry a moderately high risk.

Activities such as getting a haircut, dining at restaurants, attending weddings or funerals, traveling by plane or train, playing team sports like basketball or soccer, hugging, shaking hands, and greeting friends fall into this category.

Activities with a moderate risk of COVID-19 infection:

Working in an office or visiting a shopping mall poses a moderate risk of COVID-19 infection.

This includes activities such as eating at someone else’s house, having a barbecue, going to the beach, visiting shopping malls, sending children to daycare, working in an office, swimming in public pools, and visiting relatives.

Activities with a moderately low risk of COVID-19 infection:

Going to the market, grocery shopping, walking, jogging, or cycling with others fall into this category. Additionally, playing golf, staying in a hotel, waiting at a hospital, dining at a restaurant, walking in crowded places, and playing outdoors for more than an hour are also considered moderately low-risk activities.

Going to the market or cycling carries a moderately low risk of COVID-19 infection.

Activities with a low risk of COVID-19 infection:

These activities include receiving packages or mail, taking away food, playing tennis, and refueling at gas stations.

Receiving packages and taking away food are among the activities with the lowest risk of COVID-19 infection.

2. Activities that increase the risk of COVID-19 infection according to SAGE:

According to a recent study by the UK government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), individuals who shop more than once a week are 2.2% more likely to contract the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Playing sports is the second-highest risk activity (1.36%), possibly due to associated activities like traveling or visiting pubs.

Visiting pubs, bars, or clubs once a week increases the risk by 1.3%. Additionally, those who regularly use public transportation are 1.2% more likely to contract the virus compared to those who don’t. Among different modes of transportation, buses pose the highest risk (1.3%), followed by subways (1.2%), taxis (1.19%), and trams (1.18%).

It’s important to note that this study was prepared for a UK government meeting on December 23, 2022, to discuss additional restrictions, but it was not discussed as the data was collected before the detection of Omicron variant cases in the country.

Activities that increase the risk of COVID-19 infection according to SAGE.

Measures to prevent COVID-19 infection:

Regardless of the risk level, there is always a chance of contracting the virus when engaging in these activities. Therefore, to protect yourself, your family, and society, stay vigilant and follow the Ministry of Health’s guidelines:

– Adhere to the 5K message: MASK – DISINFECT – DISTANCE – NO GATHERINGS – HEALTH DECLARATION.

– Avoid crowded places unless necessary.

– Always wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer.

– Stay alert and proactive in the fight against the pandemic. Report any illegal border crossings to local authorities for timely isolation and handling.

– Contact the Ministry of Health’s hotline at 1900 9095 for advice if needed.

The 5K measures to prevent COVID-19 infection.

We have provided you with this comprehensive information to help you stay safe during this pandemic. Please stay vigilant and follow these guidelines to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions

Activities that involve close contact with others, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces, pose a higher risk for COVID-19 transmission. Examples include social gatherings, dining in restaurants, attending bars or nightclubs, and engaging in group sports or fitness classes.

Social distancing, or physical distancing, is effective in lowering transmission risks by maintaining a safe distance from others. It reduces the chances of coming into contact with respiratory droplets that may contain the virus. Keeping a distance of at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from individuals outside of your household is recommended.

Wearing masks or face coverings is crucial as it helps prevent the spread of the virus from the wearer to others. Masks act as a barrier, trapping respiratory droplets that may be released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes. This simple measure significantly reduces the likelihood of transmission.

Outdoor activities are generally considered safer than indoor activities as fresh air disperses viral particles, reducing the concentration of the virus in the air. However, it’s important to maintain a safe distance from others and wear masks even outdoors, especially if you are in close proximity to people who are not from your household.

In addition to social distancing, wearing masks, and opting for outdoor activities, other precautions include frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and stay home if you are feeling unwell.