CDC Updates New Guidelines on Reducing Coronavirus Risk in Everyday Life

In the past few weeks, the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has posted many sets of instructions in order to guide people on cutting down the risk of contracting coronavirus infection after the end of the nationwide lockdown in many of the states.

With the easing of restrictions, many people have returned to work, school, and started engaging in activities they did prior to the start of the coronavirus pandemic. For instance, since places such as spas and gyms have reopened, people are expected to start visiting them again.

In addition, to do so, the daily commute is a need for many which further increases coronavirus risk while heading outdoors even if it is not used for longer routes.

If people are not careful while doing so, it can increase the chances of a second wave of coronavirus after a spike in cases in no time, which has already begun to happen in many of the states that have lifted coronavirus lockdowns.

On Friday, the CDC has updated its guidelines on how to cut the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, or the virus the causes coronavirus infection in everyday life and go to work or visit places such as grocery stores and the gym safely.

The new guidelines have been long-awaited, especially now since many states are seeing a spike in cases.

There is a need for a set of instructions to guide people on how to play their part in cutting down the risk of a second wave of coronavirus infection. 

Read also: Coronavirus Vaccine May Be Impossible to Develop, Biosecurity Experts State 

The CDC’s new guidelines cover many aspects of everyday life from work to visiting a bank or even going to an atm machine. For instance, in accordance with the instructions, stairs are much safer in comparison with elevators and lifts in hostels, offices, and any other place as social distancing can be practiced safely at them.

In addition, people are also advised to cook and take their own food from home anywhere outside especially if going to a gathering or lunch rather than having prepared food.

Instructions that were given during the pandemic such as washing hands frequently, limiting physical contact, maintaining distance, wearing a mask, and limiting time outdoors are still to be followed.

However, if there is still a need to go to places like a spa, hotel or restaurant, it is important to make a call prior to booking or visiting to confirm that the place is following all safety guidelines and the staff members are wearing fundamental safety equipment such as gloves and face mask.

Along with posting a set of guidelines for cutting down the risk of coronavirus infection in everyday life, the CDC also uploaded another set with instructions for safely organizing events and gatherings including concerts, political rallies, and others.

However,  Dr. Jay Butler says it does not mean that the health agency supports specific kinds of events during the pandemic. All events should be arranged and attended in accordance with the health policies so that coronavirus spread can be reduced.

Prior to the new guidelines, the CDC has given many guidelines for the decreasing coronavirus risk in churches, schools, and offices, and even transit agencies but the agency had not specifically given instructions for gyms, spas, and going to other such places.

According to Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the CDC, the new set of instructions are mostly based on common sense and are necessarily mandates.

In case there is still an increase in coronavirus infection cases, governments should consider making stricter policies once again in order to avoid a second wave of coronavirus infection.