Basic Precautions to Take When Attending Social Gatherings

The world seems to have had a little grip on the novel coronavirus even though health experts and the World Health Organization (WHO) are still learning about it. Most countries have therefore started easing lockdown restrictions that were instituted to control the spread of the virus. In Ghana and some other countries, the ban on public gatherings, which was one of the key restrictions, is gradually being eased, with a certain number of participants allowed.

The ban on public gathering was instituted and enforced because the WHO had warned in the early days of the virus that avoiding mass gatherings was the best way to prevent spread.

READ ALSO: Are You Likely to be Re-infected After Recovering from COVID-19?

Fact-check Ghana has put together some guidelines based on recommendations from the World Health Organization and other international health agencies on precautions to take when attending any gathering.

1. Make it a point to wear a face mask before you step out.
2. Ensure you have a personal hand sanitizer even if the gathering you are attending will provide any.
3. Keep in mind to avoid handshakes, hugs, and any form of human contact. The coronavirus spreads mostly through contact with infected persons or contaminated items.
4. Keep in mind your country and WHO’s social distancing protocols and adhere to them.
5. As much as you can, avoid touching surfaces such as door handles, bannisters etc. In the event that you touch it, sanitize your hands immediately before touching anything else such as your mobile phone.
6. Mobile phones, tablets and iPads should be wiped with alcohol-based disinfectants after attending any mass gathering.
7. Do not spit in the open. WHO says COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Although these precautions can prevent you from getting infected, the safest way is to stay at home if it is not very necessary for you to go out.

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Supported by STAR Ghana with funding from UKAID and the European Union