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Hi, I'm posting this question because I'm curious to know what safety precautions I may need to take regarding the coronavirus situation. Personally, these past few years have been trying for me in terms of finding or getting clarity on the right safety measures to take in order to avoid getting COVID. I'm 27 and I have a few health problems but I don't know if they count as high risk, and I also live with someone who has pre-existing health conditions. They have autoimmune disease (psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis) and allergies. I feel that autoimmune disease makes them high risk since it affects their immune system. Personally I have trouble with congestion and it can affect my breathing, was told by a doctor that I'm at risk of getting asthma, I have allergies/sensitivities that affect my respiratory system, and I also have depression. It was added to the high risk category on the CDC's website. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.htmlI should also mention that I've had two covid vaccine doses and two boosters including the most recent one and my parent has her vaccines and boosters as well. I have precautions that I take to stay safe, but I'm curious to know what precautions I should take based on my situation. With all of the different rules that I've seen over the past few years, I feel that I might be able to get more insight about what I can do, and possibly know if I'm overdoing my personal safety measures (I honestly wonder about that sometimes).These are the questions that I have about taking precautions: What precautions can I take at work in person to stay safe, especially if I'm high risk or live with someone who is? More scenarios that I'm trying to get clarity about for staying safe: Being indoors in public (movies, grocery stores when there are crowds, restaurants, etc) or even outdoors in some scenarios, being in crowds in general, going to people's houses or having people over, meeting new people, friend/family get togethers. Are there any scenarios where I should take precautions at home? Should I take any extra precautions during cold seasons? In what scenarios or places is it safe to take off my mask? What do I do if I live with someone who might not be taking precautions? Are there certain places or certain scenarios that I should avoid if possible? Should I take any extra precautions if cases rise and it becomes a concern? What precautions could/should I take when dating in person?
Covid is not over and is continuing to be transmitted throughout the U.S. and the world. You are well-vaccinated and that is good! I don’t know if you have received your most recent bivalent booster dose (this will need to be spaced at least 3 months from your last booster dose), that may be something to work on. I would continue to wear a well-fitting mask (i.e., KN95-style of mask) when in public spaces, especially when indoors. I’m an advocate of trying to improve indoor air quality by improved ventilation (bring more fresh outdoor air to the indoors) and treatment (filtration or UV light inactivation). The Covid transmissions are likely to become worse as the weather gets colder and more people congregate indoors—this is also going to be flu season and other respiratory viruses will be circulating. Good luck.
