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K-State Today

September 4, 2020

Tips to reduce COVID-19 risk while having a social life

Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing

When you're not in class or at work, staying home is the best way to stay healthy and reduce your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.  

The more time you spend in crowded spaces or with individuals who do not live with you, the higher your risk for catching COVID-19. This is why face coverings and physical distancing requirements are in place across Kansas State University and at all local businesses and restaurants.  

Use these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce your risk during off-campus activities and help protect our community while having a social life. On-campus activities should follow university guidance

If you decide to host a gathering: 

  • Remind guests to stay home if they are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days. 

  • Keep a list of guests who attend for potential future contact tracing needs. 

  • Encourage physical distancing and wearing face coverings. 

  • Host your gatherings outdoors when possible. If this is not feasible, make sure the room or space is well ventilated. (For example, open a window.) 

  • Arrange tables and chairs to allow for physical distancing among guests who do not live together. 

  • If planning games, consider those where physical distancing can be maintained and do not involve the sharing of drinks or food. 

  • Minimize greetings that promote close contact such as handshakes and hugs. 

  • Consider providing face coverings for guests or asking them to bring their own. 

  • Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and any shared items between uses when feasible. 

  • Make sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before eating or drinking. 

If you attend an event or gathering: 

  • Stay home if you are sick, if you are waiting on results of a COVID-19 test or if you may have been exposed to COVID-19

  • Prioritize attending outdoor activities over indoor ones and stay within your local area as much as possible. 

  • Bring a face covering and hand sanitizer. 

  • Maintain 6 feet of physical distance from people who don't live in your household. 

  • Attend the event early or at off-peak times to avoid crowding and congested areas. 

  • Avoid using restrooms or concession areas at high-traffic times such as intermission, halftime or immediately at the end of the event. 

  • Don’t share food or drinks. 

  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before eating or drinking. 

Another idea is to create your own bubble. 

  • Just like the NBA, try to create a bubble and spend social time with the same group of friends. By doing so, you may reduce your chances of COVID-19, especially if you are all following safety practices such as good hand hygiene, wearing face coverings and maintaining physical distance.  

Find more CDC tips to reduce risk and stop the spread of COVID-19 and learn more about health and wellness at K-State.