For more than three months, COVID-19 is continuously affecting the lives of almost everyone in the world. A 'new normal' has been in place.
Health experts have been warning the public about the extent of COVID-19, how it could be contracted and avoided.
Social distancing is a protocol strictly followed in establishments or social gatherings.
Sometimes, people opt to meet only with family members or people they trust. Meeting strangers seem a bit risky, at this point, that people choose to avoid it.
However, a recent study shows that COVID-19 may more likely be caught from family than strangers.
Close contact can pose risks of catching the coronavirus.
A researcher specializing in infectious diseases at St. Andrews University, Dr. Muge Cevik, said that risks are higher in enclosed environments. These areas include households and public transports.
Studies from China also show that people living in the same house have a higher chance of catching the virus if one of their members is. Although Cevik says that casual and short interactions are not the root cause of spreading the virus, social distancing is still essential.
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Family gatherings can cause the spread of COVID-19.
Several incidents have been recorded in the United States, where a rise in the cases of coronavirus. The resurgence in the number of cases is connected to family gatherings.
The case of Chicago
A COVID-19 positive patient in Chicago was traced to have been infected upon attending a funeral and a birthday party. During these events, the patient hugged relatives and shared food. The family gatherings lasted for more than three hours.
This individual caused six confirmed COVID-19 cases.
The case of Sacramento County
Officials in Sacramento County saw an increase in hospitalization. In a statement from health officials, they see that the main driver of these is family gatherings. "Drivers of this include an increase in informal and formal gatherings, transmission among large families, and workplace exposures in the food industry," officials said.
Right now, authorities are coordinating with local health departments to address this issue.
The case of British Columbia
At least 15 COVID-19 cases in British Columbia is believed to have been caused by exposure to the coronavirus in a family gathering.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, the top doctor of B.C., says that these cases should be a warning to everyone. She also mentioned, "One of the most common ways it gets transmitted is the people we are closest to and spend time with."
A few of the reminders Henry has for the public include keeping the social circle small, and of course, maintaining social distance as well.
Henry says, to ensure that no same case will happen, there will still be a ban for gatherings with more than 50 people. She added that other meetings will only be allowed if a safe distance of two meters will be imposed all the time.
