Experts say there are five places where you're most likely to catch COVID.

While it appeared that everything were returning to normal and that COVID-19 was no longer an issue, this was not the case. The virus has not been eradicated, and cases are on the rise across the country. In addition, we recently passed a somber new milestone: over 1 million Americans have died as a result of the virus. With more people becoming sick every day, Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, Urgent Care Medical Director and Physician, Carbon Health and Saint Mary's Hospital, who has been treating COVID patients since the virus's inception, offers the latest on COVID and locations to avoid to help prevent infection. Read on—and don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID to ensure your health and the wellness of others.

1 What To Know About COVID Right Now

In the words of Dr. Curry-Winchell, "A new wave is sweeping the United States right now. BA.212.1 has emerged as the new dominant strain, and it has been demonstrated to be 30 percent more infectious (contagious) than BA.2. Symptoms might range from mild to moderate to severe, necessitating admission to the hospital. COVID can't be caught more than once, according to popular belief. It's possible to catch it multiple times."

2 Why Cases Are Rising Again

Dr. Curry-Winchell explains, "It's because the novel variations are easily transferred." "If you are neither vaccinated or vaccinated but not boosted, your chances of contracting COVID are extremely high. Because of the elimination of mask rules, this new strain has been able to spread quickly, resulting in new infections and re-infections."

3 What's The Longest COVID Can Remain In The Air And On Surfaces

Dr. Curry-Winchell claims that "The coronavirus loses much of its ability to transmit from one person to another 20 minutes after becoming airborne, according to a study from the University of Bristol in England. Meanwhile, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus can persist on a nonporous surface for up to three days."

4 Indoor Places

Dr. Curry-Winchell shares, "Indoor areas are not always well ventilated which can increase your contracting COVID. The more air that is available at your event or gathering can help reduce your risks from encountering the virus."

5 Group Events/Parties/Nightclubs

According to Dr. Curry-Winchell, "Because of the large number of people in one place, there is a potential you will be exposed to the virus if you attend an event. The immunization status of others, which is often unknown at large gatherings, can significantly raise your risk."

6 Attending A Live Theatre Show

According to Dr. Curry-Winchell, "If you attend a live show at the theatre, your chances of contracting COVID may rise because to the yelling and shouting that is common in live theater. Wearing a mask in a ventilated theater can help reduce your chances."

7 If You Wear The Wrong Mask, You Will Increase The Risk Of Getting COVID

Despite the fact that mask mandates have been repealed, you should reconsider wearing one to the supermarket or anywhere else where there are a lot of people because cases are on the rise. "It's critical to wear a N95 or K95 as a layer of protection from the new varieties," Dr. Curry-Winchell said. "The old surgical mask isn't going to protect you from the new variations."

8 Exercising Indoors Without A Mask

You may want to reschedule your gym subscription. According to Dr. Curry-Winchell: "Exercise is beneficial to both the soul and the mind, yet it frequently necessitates heavy breathing. If you exercise indoors during the outbreak, wearing a K95 or N95 may reduce your risk of catching the virus

9 How to Stay Safe Out There

Get vaccinated or boost your vaccinations as soon as possible; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear a N95 face mask, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you aren't sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.