This Summer, We Will Not Go Outside Without a Mask

This summer will be very different from other summers around the world. We are facing a summer with less socializing, where social distancing will be observed and masks will be worn where necessary. Prof. Dr. Ferah Ece, Chest Diseases Specialist at Liv Hospital Ulus, explained what we need to be careful about during the summer season in the face of Covid-19 risk.   - Everyone needs to breathe and get fresh air, but we must definitely not become complacent. Masks must always be worn, and kissing, hugging, and close contact must be avoided. - Mask usage duration varies from person to person and depending on the environment. - Masks that have been used and become damp, or have been coughed on several times, must absolutely not be reused. Because damp masks become suitable for the proliferation of viruses and bacteria. This creates a health hazard.

- Even in open air, maintaining social distance is very important. In open air, as long as social distance permits, people can sit together and chat. Just don't hug, kiss, or shake hands. Avoid any contact.

  - People who exercise sweat while exerting effort and breathe more frequently. After exertion, droplets are expelled intensively. For this reason, those exercising should maintain a greater social distance. Special attention should be paid to ensuring no one is nearby during times of physical exertion. It would be appropriate for them to wear masks during rest periods to protect both themselves and others. - Shopping centers can be visited but at least two meters of social distance must be maintained. If sitting, sit sparsely. Leave one chair empty between occupied seats. Always wear a mask. - Viruses can also be transmitted through food items we buy from stores. If possible, we should air them out, wipe or wash them outside or on the balcony before placing them in the refrigerator. - You can go swimming but there should be no very close contact. Loungers should not be placed side by side; they should be spaced apart. Beaches should not be crowded. There is no problem with going swimming, sunbathing, or taking a vacation, but social distance must definitely be maintained. Apart from that, vacation can be taken. - Pools can pose a risk in terms of maintaining social distance. Pools with confirmed working disinfection systems can be visited provided social distance is maintained. - In restaurants or hotels, tables should be far apart, arranged as one occupied one empty, and people should sit diagonally rather than facing each other. There should be distance between chairs. Masks will be removed while eating of course, but social distance must definitely be maintained. The mask should be put back on after eating. - Viruses are not transmitted through food, but the server bringing and taking the food must not cough or sneeze. They must definitely wear masks. It is very important that the server serving the food does not sneeze or cough. Employees and management must be very careful and attentive. - Masks must definitely be worn in workplaces and work must be conducted while maintaining social distance. The work environment must be continuously ventilated. - Throughout the summer, open-air environments and spaces with open windows should be preferred for ventilation. Crowding in closed spaces must absolutely be avoided. In air-conditioned spaces with very few people, the air conditioning should be directed upward and not blow directly at faces. Most importantly, air conditioning filters must be cleaned. - It has been stated that viruses do not remain long in open air and on open surfaces. Although loungers on beaches are in open air, since we cannot know who touched them or when, they should definitely be disinfected as if someone had made contact.