...social distancing, avoiding crowded areas...

We've all been practicing social distancing, avoiding crowded areas all across the nation, but we understand the situation itself has been particularly serious.

How do you understand the part?

’, avoiding crowded areas all across the nation’

1) , which avoids crowded areas...

2) , and we avoided crowded areas...

3) , as we advoided crowded areas...

4) or others.

What do you native English speakers think?

Thank you so much as usual in advance.