"If you want to eat together, take turns in removing your mask. We could still chat with friends. When eating with friends, we could take turns in wearing masks," she noted during an online health event on Monday.
People should raise their awareness of the risk of COVID-19 infection by implementing 6M comprising wearing a mask, washing hands, maintaining distance, avoiding crowd, reducing mobility, and avoiding eating together, she suggested.
People should maintain their distance because COVID-19 is an airborne disease that makes indoor locations risky, Salama cautioned.
"However, we could implement 6M as a precautionary measure," Salama affirmed.
She also underscored the importance of vaccination for those not inoculated. Currently, various existing vaccine brands are safe to use, including for those with certain medical conditions.
However, these people are still advised to consult with their doctors in order to receive their approval regarding vaccination.
"However, it has to be controlled, with no symptoms and no reactions, so that it is ensured that it is safe. Vaccination should also be conducted in places, with good emergency facilities, such as hospitals," Salama noted.
Vaccination will not only protect the people but also those around them, who are keen to be vaccinated but are unable to do so due to their medical condition, she highlighted.
Chairman of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Mount Sinai South Nassau, New York, stated that the biggest problem with eating out together is that everyone have to take off their masks.
In addition, the socialization that accompanies eating will easily allow the coronavirus to spread in air.
The Texas Medical Association, as quoted by Everyday Health, stated that eating at a restaurant bears mid to high risk of COVID-19 transmission, while dinner at home or attending barbeque outdoors is of medium category.
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Translator: Lia Santosa, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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