The global health crisis brought a huge pause to life as we know it, and although some countries are rapidly trying to return to normal, for others, it has been a gradual process.
In Britain, some services are just beginning to open after months of closure due to government guidelines. The British Prime Minster, Boris Johnson, recently announced that museums, art galleries, theaters and movie cinemas are among some public spaces that will be open to customers from July 4. This is another major step in fully opening the country and returning to a state of economic and social normalcy. Note that there's going to be a new 'normal', and this will pertain to all services that are being reopened.
For one thing, face masks are probably going to be a requirement to enter the cinema premises. Social distancing will be strictly enforced, with people spacing themselves even while sitting, except if they live together perhaps. Hand sanitizer units are going to be dispersed all over the place at strategic points to ensure regular disinfection.
The announcement was met with mixed reactions as is expected in such situations. While many are eager to welcome the name state of normalcy, some feel it is a bit too early and a gamble which might result in a second wave of infections.
Though the situation is looking better, the virus is still a major threat. Many have expressed feelings that the move to reopen more public spaces could lead to increased local infections and at worst, a second wave. Nonetheless, the damage done by months of lockdown on the people both economically, psychologically and otherwise is devastating.
Face masks, although not being enforced, are recommended to prevent the possible spread of the virus in public places. Also, if you have it in mind to go and see a movie in the cinema, maybe to enjoy your new 'freedom', there are a few things to keep in mind so that you can protect your health.
One thing is to lay off the snacks sold at the cinema's kiosks; you don't know the health status of your seller. Do endeavor to bring your snacks, and make use of hand sanitizer before and after eating, and avoid sharing your snacks with people.
Also, avoid touching walls and other surfaces while in the public space. Research has shown that the virus can survive on surfaces for up to three days. Hence, people might, unknown to them, contact the disease by touching these surfaces and then rubbing their eyes, or actions similar to this.
With that last point, it is obvious that the use of hand gloves could be a potential lifesaver. Proper disposal of the face masks and hand gloves is necessary as well to not only protect yourself and others as well. And while outside, why not opt for modes of payment that minimize or eliminate body-body or body-surface contact, like applications on your phone and so on? This way, you'll be ensuring that you and people around you stay safe.
