Covid, Pregliasco: “Holiday etiquette? Better stay at home”

“The holidays? I wouldn’t take them. It is a lottery to identify a methodology other than that of not going there to avoid the risk”. This is the premise of Fabrizio Pregliasco, virologist of the State University of Milan, before giving Adnkronos Salute his ‘anti-Covid etiquette’ for those who are about to leave these days. First of all, the expert reiterates, it is necessary “to maintain constant attention to that etiquette of behaviors that, we all know, when we are on vacation it drops without realizing it. We – he stresses – also see it in tourism medicine: on vacation you have the perception that diseases go on vacation and you do things that normally, in terms of risk, even in terms of food risk, not to mention sexually transmitted diseases, you would not do. There is a lowering of the attention threshold and overall hygiene, which instead this year in particular – he warns – should be preserved “. But, in practical terms, let’s see how to prepare. “In the meantime, before the trip I would recommend taking out insurance for quarantines and various troubles, thus avoiding the end of those who remained around Europe. This – Pregliasco warns – at least. And I would also recommend it to those who choose destinations. Italian “. To get around, then, “better one’s own means of transport than means of transport, especially for the frail and the elderly”. Planes? “They are sure, but there is always the risk, as happened to a friend of mine recently – says the virologist – of finding himself with a positive on board and having to then, as a close contact, spend the holidays in quarantine”. A weight on the risk of contagion also has the chosen destination for the holidays. “The mountain certainly facilitates quieter moments – says the doctor – I will go to my house, in Val Sarentino, a very beautiful valley, but not very frequented in South Tyrol, where I will do the usual life and some walks”. So better second homes? “For those lucky enough to have them, yes”. And at the seaside, if the concentration of people is very high and you can’t stay within 2 meters, what can you do? “This is where my fashion of tanning with a mask returns”, replies Pregliasco ironically in reference to an old provocation of his. But then he adds: “Seriously, if you are in a nightlife, if a distancing is impossible, the risk is really that of having to wear a mask even on the beach, and it is dramatic”. Do you dance or play in establishments or holiday villages? “It depends on how they organize them. Of course – highlights the virologist – I doubt that they are done by three relatives at a time. It would be an impressive squalor and really at that point it is better to stay at home. But, otherwise, there is a risk”. Clouds also on socialization. “Being with your small group and being careful with other people regarding the use of masks. It is dramatic, but it is obvious that any human contact at this time is to be considered at risk”, reiterates the doctor.