How to reduce the risk of covid transmission

The dangerous transmission of COVID-19 requires us to avoid crowds and maintain physical distance between individuals. However, there were several conditions that forced people to take to the streets and stage protests. Experts say there is no way to eliminate the risk of transmitting COVID-19 during demonstrations during this pandemic.

“Viewed from a pandemic point of view, this is absolutely the worst thing to do. This is because people come from different areas, gather together, and scream, "said dr. John Swartzberg, vaccine and infectious disease specialist University of California while commenting on demonstrations Black Live Matter (BLM) in America.

However, if you decide to keep the demo, here are some things you can do to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 en masse.

Things that need to be considered to carry out mass action during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the pandemic, holding demonstrations or other mass actions makes the risk of transmitting COVID-19 even higher. Protests take to the streets for you to gather together in one place. Not to mention that there are conditions forcing physical contact.

The risk of transmitting COVID-19 during demonstrations can be minimized by following a few tips from health experts.

Before deciding to take part in a demonstration, make sure your body is fit and healthy. Support a demonstration from home if you have symptoms of illness, fever, flu, or cough. That way you can help others avoid spreading COVID-19.

Eleanor Jane Murray, epidemiologist Boston University shared tips to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 during demonstrations.

1. Wear a mask and goggles.

Wear a mask according to the recommended standards for preventing transmission of COVID-19, make sure you wear it comfortably and safely. Also bring several masks to replace if the mask you are wearing is wet or dirty.

Don't forget to add goggles for added protection, some studies say they reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. Google glasses can also help protect you from crush injuries or bursts of tear gas.

2. Bring it

One of the main things in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 is cleanliness. Apart from direct contact with droplets, COVID-19 can be transmitted by touching a contaminated surface and then your hands touching your face. Because make sure your hands are always clean when doing demonstrations with a hand sanitizer that contains 60-70% alcohol.

3. Shout less

Just talking alone can spread enough virus to infect someone nearby. While there is no evidence that screaming carries a greater risk of infection, screaming allows the droplet to be splashed out further than talking.

Instead, use other tools that can represent your voice, such as banners, noise makers such as drums, gallons, or other sound makers.

4. Create a small group.

Make a small group that contains your group and make sure all of them wear masks properly. This is to make it easier to maintain physical distance and prevent contact with large, unknown groups.

6. Bring enough drinking water

Bring enough drinking water to make sure you stay hydrated. Keep yourself away from other people when eating and drinking because you have to remove the mask.

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The importance of preventing transmission of COVID-19 during action

"It is difficult to hold demonstrations in a completely safe way, but if everyone wears a mask and eye protection it will significantly reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19," said the Head of the Infectious Diseases Department at University at Buffalo, Thomas A. Russo.

In theory, being outside is better than indoors because of the wider air circulation and more space to keep your distance.

But many unexpected things can happen at any time. You have been in a crowd of people for a relatively long time and could be standing next to someone who carries the virus (OTG).

No one knows how many people might be infected in a particular group. Your community may have a low infection rate, but in the field someone may stand in close proximity to your group and transmit it.

In addition, the conditions for demonstrations can provoke anger and cause people to scream or forget health protocols. These things can eliminate the slight advantage of being outdoors.

With the high transmission rate of COVID-19, there is a high chance that you will bring the virus back home from the demonstration. So it's a good idea to distance yourself from the people of the house and do independent isolation after the action.