Coronavirus expert shares tips for safe Fourth of July
With the virus accelerating across the country, many of you may be wondering if it is safe to attend a BBQ with family and friends during the July 4th holiday weekend or is it better to stay at home.
Posted — Updated“I am worried that there will be a spike after this weekend," said Dr. Rachel Roper, a coronavirus expert. "The more people you have out, the more people you have in contact with others, the more likely we are to have big virus spread and spikes we’re seeing now.”
“No one is really safe," Roper said. "Everyone should be really careful.”
Their hope is that families do what they can this weekend to prevent contracting the virus.
“If you have underlying heart disease or respiratory problems or if you are obese," Roper said. "And 40 % of Americans are obese, and that puts you in a high-risk category. So, think about your age and your risk factors to evaluate how careful you want to be.”
So when it comes to gathering around the table this weekend, do it safely. Roper said to first assess your own risk and the risk of those you’re bringing into your home.
“Think about the exposure they have," Roper said. "Are they being careful and staying at home and wearing masks? The more people you’re with, the more likely you are to catch the virus.”
Experts suggest having smaller groups of people when celebrating this year and sticking to outdoor activities.
“It’s much more safe if you’re outside then if you’re inside," Roper said. "Because if you’re inside, if someone is infected, they will be exhaling that virus continuously and that virus will accumulate in the air inside the room. If you’re outside with good air circulation, with good air blowing, even a little breeze, the virus will dissipate.”
“If everybody has their own plate and their own utensil, that’s the best thing," Roper said. "You do not want one big spoon in a salad that everyone touches the same spoon. It would be best if one person could serve the food and give it to people and that way you don’t have a large number of people touching the same item.”
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