With the Omicron variant tearing through the U.S., new COVID-19 infection numbers are skyrocketing. In light of the threat presented by this new variant, it’s imperative that we remain vigilant – regardless of how much pandemic fatigue we happen to be experiencing. Among other things, this entails taking measures to limit potential exposure. Considering how contagious Omicron is, the less time we spend in public – or other crowded locales – the better. Anyone looking for simple ways to limit Omicron exposure can benefit from the following tips.
Make Use of Contactless Pickup Options
Contactless pickup options are safety-conscious alternatives to traditional shopping. Additionally, in light of the tremendous threat COVID-19 represents, many stores have begun offering such services free of charge. The less time you spend in crowded public places, the lower your risk of potential exposure. So, even if you desperately miss the experience of in-person shopping, you’d do well to order online and opt for contactless pickup.
The exact mechanics vary from store to store, but contactless pickup typically entails making purchases online, driving to the store from which the purchases were made and checking in with an app upon your arrival. Once you’ve checked in, an employee will bring your purchases out to your vehicle and load them up. While this process often involves no direct contact, some stores will require you to confirm your identity and specify where you’d like your purchases placed. This generally just entails opening your window just enough to be heard by the people who are helping you.
Opt for Takeout and Mail-Order Foods
Although many of us miss the experience of dining out, going to restaurants at the present time carries a number of risks. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t continue to support your favorite local eateries. Ordering takeout instead of dining in will enable you to enjoy meals from local restaurants in the comfort and safety of your home. This is also a good time to sample some high-quality mail-order cuisine. For example, anyone with a taste for fresh seafood should consider ordering some delectable stone crabs.
Shift to Remote Work
Even if your place of business has started requiring people to return to the office, you shouldn’t feel obligated to remain in a workplace in which you feel unsafe. So, if you’re not satisfied with a lack of proper safety measures on the part of your employer, request that you be allowed to resume working remotely. Remote work can be particularly beneficial to people whose workplaces are rife with unvaccinated and/or generally uncareful individuals.
Stay Current with Vaccine Boosters
Although being vaccinated shouldn’t be viewed as having an invulnerability to COVID-19, getting your vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of serious and fatal COVID infections. As such, everyone who isn’t suffering from a medical condition that prohibits vaccination should get fully vaccinated. Furthermore, your initial vaccine series shouldn’t be regarded as the extent of this measure. For maximum protection, you’ll also need to stay current with vaccine boosters.
Presently, adults who received the Moderna vaccine are eligible for a booster at least six months after their initial vaccine series, while adults who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are eligible for a booster at least five months after their initial vaccine series. Conversely, adults who received the Johnson & Johnson’s Jansen vaccine are eligible to receive a booster at least two months after their initial shot.
Parents looking to limit potential virus exposure for and from their children should be aware that kids aged five and up are now eligible to receive their vaccines. Keep in mind that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only one authorized for use on children between the ages of five and eleven at the present time. Furthermore, 5-to-11-year-olds who are moderately-to-severely immunocompromised can receive an additional primary dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vax 28 days after their second shot. In addition, the CDC recommends Pfizer-BioNTech boosters for 12-to-17-year-olds at least five months after their initial vaccination series.
Omicron is among the most contagious COVID-19 variants to spring up over the last two years. Given how many infection records this variant continues to shatter in the U.S., it’s in everyone’s best interest to stay on their guard. While the prospect of becoming infected is certainly scary, avoiding potential exposure to Omicron may be easier than you think. So, in the interest of keeping exposure risks to the barest possible minimum, put the measures discussed above to good use.
