Malaysia is currently implementing Conditional Movement Control Orders (CMCO). Many businesses resume their operation and the worker can return to their working place. Health director-general Datuk Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah advised that the public must strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP) under CMCO. 

He also shared an article on Facebook where the content is the opinion of Dr. Susan Hassig (an epidemiologist at Tulane University) about the risk of infection in various activities. Come and have a look!

High Risk: Gathering With Family Or Friends

  
Photo Source: The Midnight Carver

Dr. Susan Hassig said that gathering with family, relatives, or friends who do not live under the same roof poses risks because they are unlikely to wear a mask or socialize at a distance during a party. If the other person is an asymptomatic patient, he/she may spread the virus to you.

She explains that if a person really decides to party, he/she should consider the age and basic conditions of the people attending the party and those living with them. Did they stay at home before this time? Have they visited other people? These are 2 questions you should ask yourself when you want to hold a gathering or to attend a gathering because you cannot predict who they were with and whether they were infected.

High Risk: Bar

Photo Source: The Star

According to Dr. Susan Hassig, the bar should not be open because the bar is crowded, the crowd of people in the bar is mixed, and masks are not allowed when drinking. There were rumors that drinking alcohol can kill the new coronavirus, but this has been proven to be fake, and alcohol will make people lose clear judgment and increase the chance of COVID-19 infection.

High Risk: Religious Activities

Photo Source: News18

Believers will shake hands when they meet in religious places. Besides, the dense crowds will make religious places high-risk places. If you really have to go to pray or worship, you must also try to stay away from the crowd, wear masks, and do not touch the body, and you need to avoid the rituals that require eating.

High Risk: Cinemas And Stadiums

Photo Source: Cinema Online 

Dr. Susan Hassig pointed out that the risk of large events such as movie theaters or sports competitions is high, especially because the entrance can cause crowding. She believes that even if participants can enter and exit while maintaining a social distance, they will still sit in a closed area after successful entry. Therefore, the chance of being infected is still very high.

Medium To High Risk: Gym

Photo Source: Time 

Dr. Susan Hassig suggested wearing masks whenever possible at the gym. Besides, remember to disinfect the equipment before and after use and maintain social distance. (PS: But there was an accident of wearing a mask running and lack of oxygen caused lung burst, it is better not to go first)

Medium Risk: Indoor Restaurant

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Dr. Susan Hassig still does not recommend eating out, especially closed indoor restaurants because of the poor airflow in the restaurant. it is still very dangerous because many people would stay in the enclosed space at one time. If you really need dine-in, the best way is to wear a mask until the food is served. Moreover, use disposable tableware and menu to reduce the risk.

Medium Risk: Barber Shop and Nail Salon

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Barbers and manicurists must wear masks when they work because it helps prevent the spread of virus particles in the saliva when talking or coughing. Since the customer's face or hands must be touched during service, employees in the store should maintain the habit of washing their hands frequently.

Medium Risk: A Small Gathering Of Couples Or Friends

  
Photo Source: Verywell Mind

Although it is a one-to-one appointment or a small gathering between friends, it must also be judged according to the area where you are. If there are a large number of confirmed cases in the area, you should not come out for appointments and parties.

Low Risk: Beach

  
Photo Source: Flickr

Dr. Susan Hassig believes that although the wide beach is enough for people to maintain social distance, it is difficult to limit the capacity because the beaches have many entrances to the beach.

Low Risk: Outdoor Dining

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If you really must dine-in, outdoor dining is a good choice. Dr. Susan Hassig said that the airflow would be greater outside, as long as the distance between the tables is at least 6 feet, and masks should be kept as much as possible.

Low Risk: Outdoor Sports

Photo Source: Kegs N Eggs Blog

Outdoor sports are relatively low-risk activities because there are not too many pedestrians on the road when we walk in the park.

Low Risk: Shopping In The Mall

Photo Source: Shopping Specialty

Note that when shopping in the mall, you must maintain social distance and wear masks. Dr. Susan Hassig added that the fitting room in the mall should be closed. She also said that the riskiest place in the mall is the cashier because the cashier may infect with the virus when contacting other customers.

Low Risk: Exposure To Package Mail Or Goods

Photo Source: World Economic Forum

Dr. Susan Hassig said that the risk of being infected with the COVID-19 by touching emails or products is actually not that great. If you are unwilling to sterilize the goods, you can store the non-perishable items in a bag and wait a few days before using them. However, you should still be cautious when touching items with high contact rates, such as door handles and elevator buttons.

Source: Business Insider 

Cover photo: WHO | The Star | New Strait Times