Top U.S. epidemiologists recently told The New York Times which activities they feel comfortable doing right now during the coronavirus pandemic.
The experts told The New York Times that vaccinations signal a return to normal, so they’ve slowly been embracing normal aspects of life.
Here’s a breakdown of what the epidemiologists said. The percentage represents the share of epidemiologists who said they had done or would do those activities.
- Run errands — 92%
- Brought in the mail without worrying about the virus — 83%
- Hiked outdoors with friends — 74%
- Saw a doctor for an appointment — 63%
- Got a haircut at a barbershop — 53%
- Interacted outside, without a mask, 6 feet away — 45%
- Vacationed overnight after driving — 43%
- Hugged or shook hands with a friend — 39%
- Visited an older relative or friend — 35%
- Went to an indoor dinner party — 32%
- Ate at an indoor restaurant — 30%
- Traveled on an airplane — 25%
- Worked in an office — 23%
- Rode a train or bus — 20%
- Exercised at a gym — 15%
- Attended a wedding or funeral — 10%
- Date with a new person — 9%
- Went to church — 8%
- Went to a sporting event — 6%
Assuming nearly all are vaccinated by this point—which I assume is a fairly safe assumption (the survey is limited to the US)—my takeaway is that epidemiologists are extremely risk-averse, much more so than public health guidelines say they need to be.https://t.co/4NexiEJ0t5 pic.twitter.com/YNgggaf0P6
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) May 12, 2021
What are safe COVID-19 activities?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced updated guidelines for fully vaccinated Americans at the end of April, as I explained for the Deseret News.
- In large part, the CDC said it is safe for people to talk off their masks when they’re running or jogging outside, or spending time with other vaccinated people in small groups.
- However, the CDC doesn’t want people ditching their masks for indoor activities, like going to the movies, sporting events or barbershops.