Woman in a face mask sitting at a bar, looking at the camera while holding her smart phone in her hands

If your town is like most areas, local businesses, such as retail stores, bars, and restaurants are probably starting to open their doors. As excited as you may be to revisit your favorite local establishments or get together with friends and family, it’s important not to become lax about the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out these 12 places you’re most likely to catch COVID so you can better understand the risk associated with your activities. Threat levels are provided on a scale of one to 10, with one being the safest and 10 being the riskiest. These levels are estimated using CDC guidelines and the Texas Medical Association’s risk rankings.

1

Going to a State Park

 

waterfall at smith falls state park nebraska
BJ Roshone/Shutterstock

Threat Level: 2

With wide open spaces and outdoor recreation areas, a state park may seem to be one of the safest places to visit during a pandemic. However, there are spots to watch out for as you explore your local state park. Restrooms, visitor centers, or popular attractions may be crowded, making it hard to socially distance.

“Check with the park or recreation area in advance to prepare safely, use social distancing and avoid crowded parks, wear a mask, and clean hands often,” the CDC suggests. Consider visiting the state park at off-times and heading to attractions that aren’t as popular.

2

Getting Gas

 

man pumping gas into car
Maridav/Shutterstock

Threat Level: 2

As long as you don’t choose a crowded gas station that prevents social distancing, you should be relatively safe pumping gas. However, it’s important to consider all the hands that have touched the pump and buttons before you. “Use disinfecting wipes on handles and buttons before you touch them,” the CDC recommends. When you’re done pumping, use hand sanitizer and don’t touch your face until you can thoroughly wash your hands to lower your risk.

3

Browsing at the Grocery Store

 

Woman shopping at supermarket
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Threat Level: 3

Most grocery stores have strict guidelines in place that require mask wearing and social distancing. However, if someone isn’t following the rules or the store is more crowded than usual, you may find yourself at risk for contracting the virus. The more time you spend extremely close to people who may be infected and are talking, coughing, or laughing, the higher your risk for contracting the virus.

“Going to a market briefly, for five minutes or a transient encounter while you walk or run past someone, those are low risks,” according to Dr. Muge Cevik, MD, MSc, MRCP(UK) from the University of St. Andrews. When visiting a grocery store, grab what you need and head out so you don’t spend additional risky time in a crowd.

4

Taking a Walk

 

A woman wearing protective face mask is seen walking in the park during COVID-19 virus outbreak
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Threat Level: 3

A nice walk outside is a great way to clear your head during this stressful pandemic. But it’s still important to follow social distancing and mask guidelines in your area to prevent the spread.

A study published in Physics of Fluids analyzed respiratory droplets from sneezes and coughs. The study found that a human cough can expel droplets from 10 to 250 meters per second. If you’re planning to take a relaxing walk, try to choose a path that’s not very crowded and always practice social distancing.

5

Hiking

 

hiking
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Threat Level: 4

When you head out to the great outdoors for a hike, you may assume you’re safe from COVID-19. But if you’re hiking on a crowded trail, you’re still at risk. Wearing a face mask and staying six feet away from other hikers reduces your risk. “When you venture outdoors, try to only spend time with people within your household,” warns the American Hiking Society. If you follow proper protocol, your risk remains low but it’s important to follow your local government’s regulations.

 

6

Staying at a Hotel

 

Opened door of hotel room with key in the lock
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Threat Level: 4

Before you plan a vacation, it’s important to learn more about your destination and how it’s faring through the COVID-19 pandemic. If you travel to an area with a high transmission rate, you’re putting yourself at higher risk for contracting the virus than if you stay in your hometown.

If you do plan to travel and stay in a hotel, check with the front desk about sanitizing procedures. “When I came in, I would also wipe things down, possibly with alcohol wipes — particularly high-touch surfaces that would have me touch something, then touch my mouth, like a hotel bathroom sink,” says Mercedes Carnethon, Ph.D. from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

7

Taking Your Kids to a Playground

 

outdoor playground
Shutterstock

Threat Level: 4

The amount of risk you take on when visiting a local playground with your children depends on where you live and how crowded the park may be. “Avoid crowded parks, wear a mask as feasible, and stay home if you are sick,” is the advice provided by the CDC in regards to visiting playgrounds and local parks.

 

8

Attending a Farmer’s Market

 

Woman picking out kale and leeks at a farmers market or grocery store
Shutterstock

Threat Level: 4

If your local farmer’s markets are open for business, you may assume it’s safe since these events are usually hosted outdoors. However, your risk for spreading COVID-19 at a farmer’s market is only low if your local government enforces the proper protocol for vendors.

For example, at farmer’s markets in Washington, “businesses will not be able to serve customers or visitors who aren’t wearing face coverings,” according to the Washington State Department of Health. Consider how closely your local farmer’s market adheres to social distancing and mask guidelines and ensure you feel comfortable with the risk before visiting.

9

Walking Through Downtown

 

Masked shoppers in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic
Shutterstock

Threat Level: 4

No matter where you live, downtown areas are usually synonymous with crowded sidewalks and bustling businesses. These populated areas can make it hard to socially distance. While most areas implement face mask wearing guidelines when it’s hard to socially distance, not all patrons follow these regulations.

If you plan to visit your local downtown area, wear a mask and attempt to social distance as much as possible. Try to visit the area at a time that’s less crowded, such as a weekday afternoon.

 

10

Going to an Art Museum

 

Dinosaur at The Field Museum Chicago
Shutterstock

Threat Level: 4

In many areas, art, history, and science museums are experiencing a phased reopening. The guidelines they’re required to follow may vary by location but most include mask mandates and social distancing. Some museums may use a reservation system to ensure they can follow these regulations.

For example, New York museums are allowed “25% of maximum occupancy, inclusive of patrons/visitors, who must only be permitted entry into the institution if they wear an acceptable face covering,” according to the Museum Association of New York. If you’re worried about the COVID-19 risk associated with visiting an art museum, review the establishment’s guidelines first to ensure you feel safe and can enjoy your time.

 

11

Waiting in a Doctor’s Office

 

Mature man with face mask sitting in a bright waiting room of a hospital or an office looking at smart phone
Shutterstock

Threat Level: 4

Most doctor’s offices are still encouraging virtual appointments but there may be some instances when you need to see your doctor face-to-face. Your doctor’s office is likely to be implementing strict regulations, including wearing a mask and socially distancing from other patients.

For example, John Hopkins Medicine claims it has “carefully planned and taken extra precautions to help ensure that we are doing everything we can to minimize any risk to our patients and staff members.” They’re focused on keeping facilities clean and testing staff for COVID-19 regularly. While being in a waiting room with potentially sick people is risky, you shouldn’t avoid the doctor if you need medical treatment.

 

12

Visiting a Library

 

Laptop and book lying on a desk in classic library
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Threat Level: 4