If you’re in a situation where the country is facing a health disaster and an infectious disease is spreading, the first step to take will be to avoid mingling with other people or hanging out where crowds congregate.
You’ll need to go into “hermit mode” and survive on your own. You’ll probably notice that most people go about their day normally as if nothing is happening. This is pure complacency because the general attitude of most people is to bury their heads in the sand and believe that bad things only happen to other people.
As a survivalist, you do not have the luxury of such a casual attitude. Casualness leads to casualties. Below you’ll find 9 places you should avoid at all cost when there’s a looming health disaster.
- Crowded malls
Being packed together with people in an air-conditioned place is definitely not a wise idea. The ventilation will be poor, and you’ll be breathing in air that everyone else is inhaling and exhaling. It’s very easy for an airborne disease to be spread in this way.
- Subway stations
Jostling with others for the train and being close to other people can be a high-risk situation. You’ll never know who is carrying the virus and already infected. You’re better off renting your own personal vehicle and driving during this dangerous period.
- Workplaces
If you can take days off from work, do it. Being cooped up with others at the workplace is similar to being in a mall. The recycled air in the building and your proximity to other people puts you at risk.
- Hospitals
Avoid the hospitals at all cost. If you must go to visit a family member, wear a face mask and sanitize your hands thoroughly. Many hospitals will institute measures to prevent visitors if it’s an airborne disease.
So, be aware of the situation and avoid places where sick people are. It may be heartbreaking to leave your family member alone, but you won’t be helping the situation if you’re lying on the bed next to them. Explain the situation to your family member and they’ll probably want the best for you.
- Restaurants
Another high-risk area where you’re not only close to other people, but you won’t know who is preparing your food. Always cook for yourself at home when there’s a health crisis.
- Cinemas
Now is not the time to watch Mission Impossible 27 on the big screen. Tom Cruise can’t save you. Only you can save yourself – and you do it by avoiding being in a crowded place.
- Public transport
Buses, trains, planes, etc. are all places where groups of people hang out. If you have the means to leave your country for a while and get to somewhere safe, then taking a train or plane is a risk worth bearing.
Using buses and subway trains, however, are not. Drive your own car or cycle if you can’t.
- Places of worship
It may be comforting to seek the refuge of a church and listen to a sermon… but this is best avoided too. Someone in the congregation may be infected and pass on the disease to you.
Your prayers are just as powerful at home… and you’ll be safer there.
- Clubs and bars
These places are some of the most high-risk and should avoided at all cost. People bumping into one another, perspiring while they dance, talking over your drinks, etc. Infectious diseases love opportunities like these to spread. Stay away.
Besides these 9 places, you’ll have to exercise common sense and know what other places to steer clear of. The rule of thumb is that if the place is crowded, avoid it. Less people = lower risk. That’s really all there is to it.