A pub may be closely watching its occupancy rate and providing social distancing opportunities, but patrons could still spread the disease, Levine noted.<\/p>\n

COVID-19 is mainly spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, and the transmission works best when people are close to each other over a period of time \u2014 the typical scenario in a bar, which is usually smaller and more cramped than a restaurant.<\/p>\n

Bar patrons cluster to enjoy each other\u2019s company rather than staying 6 feet apart and come to drink alcohol, which lowers inhibitions and causes people to think less clearly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt may not be your top priority anymore to maintain social distance or even think about the virus,\u201d Levine said.<\/p>\n

Both experts said they would not feel comfortable going to a bar right now. But if someone insisted on going, they offered the following precautions:<\/p>\n

Do your own risk assessment first:<\/strong> How likely is it that you could experience serious complications and maybe even death from COVID-19? Even if you have no risk factors, how likely are you to infect friends or family you live with who are more vulnerable? \u201cYou can\u2019t just think about yourself,\u201d Levine noted. Skip going to higher risk settings if you or your loved ones could be at risk.<\/p>\n

Keep the basics in mind:<\/strong> Wear a face covering when you\u2019re not sipping your drink, maintain physical distancing, don\u2019t let your guard down and practice good hand hygiene.<\/p>\n