COVID-19 hotspots to avoid while out and about in public
With social distancing rules in place, public venues are doing their best to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Though many are putting practices in place that ensure people don’t come into contact with each other, there are still many avenues through which the virus can infect others.
Hospitality sector experts QTAP have closely studied the state of venues postlockdown and have come up with five ways that may lessen your chances of catching COVID-19 when out at venues.
People are being asked to avoid the toilets (if possible). It’s the most obvious one but it has to be stated.
Toilets can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, so without proper precautions and thorough cleaning these can be a danger for catching Covid-19.
People are also being asked to stay clear of the bar.
Many establishments aren’t letting people stand at the bar because of social distancing and for good reason. No matter how big, the bar area is always bustling if it’s open, with most people placing their hands on it while they wait, order or pay, making this a hot spot for potential infection.
And other advice is to beware of doors and entrances. Doors, and specifically their handles, may not be cleaned as often as they should be throughout the day. In the case of a busy venue where people are coming and going constantly, be aware of washing hands or using hand sanitiser after opening or closing doors.
Other advice urges people to clean chairs and tables. Although both the tables and chairs get cleaned after every cover, the quick turnaround required for seating and eating at the moment means there’s a good chance the staff might miss a spot, so giving it a quick wipe down yourself may give you peace of mind.
And choose quiet times. No matter what kind of venue you’re heading to, it’s worth doing a quick Google search on what their peak times are. This will tell you when you’re most likely to avoid crowds and unnecessary contact that can facilitate the spread.