COVID-19: Tracy's Guide for Families

Q: How to minimize the risk of infection in large social gatherings during the COVID pandemics? 💁 Tracy: In the COVID pandemics, social gatherings present a very challenging situation and a real increased risk of infection, especially if there is a large crowd of people. This risk is greatly heightened if:  a large number of people do not wear masks or practice good hygiene; in very confined space, especially indoors; in very crowded settings, especially if social distancing cannot be maintained; in very emotional situations that are difficult to predict or contain the outcome (such as funerals or large parties); if many people will be singing, chanting, or talking loudly, such as in large rallies, protests, marches, etc. Please read carefully CDC's guideline on mass gathering, and how to plan and prepare such events. Minimize such events unless absolutely needed. If you want to attend such events, please weigh in your benefits versus risks very carefully. Every

Q: How should we practice social distancing? 💁 Tracy: In areas with a high prevalence of cases, keeping social distance means avoiding going to risky areas and stay close to other people. According to current scientific research, proper social distance is more than 1.5 meters, preferably 2 meters. This should effectively prevent the risk brought by a spread of droplets from person to person. This refers to the distance when both people are standing still face-to-face or in line. Certain situations may make the needed social distancing even further, such as when people talk loudly without masks, cough or sneeze, with AC or wind blowing. Please use common sense to decide what's the best way to maintain a safe distance and reduce your risk of exposure. When running, as the amount of exhaled air and droplets increases greatly, the runner behind would better keep a distance of more than 10 meters from the runner in front. On windy days, the runners should enlarge this distanc