Safely Social Distance During Summer 2020
For most of us, life has been flipped upside down due to COVID-19. From mandatory homeschooling to teleworking and even many losing their jobs, things are just so different than what we’re used to. It’s safe to say that this season is going to be anything but normal! But even though this Summer will feel a little different, that doesn’t mean we have to take all of the fun out of it.
You can reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19 by following basic physical distancing rules.
Stay six feet apart and wear a mask whenever you’re out in public.
Only play no-contact, outdoor sports like tennis, golf, volleyball, no-touch kickball, catch or baseball and keep at least six feet from the other team members. And don’t touch your face until you’ve washed or sanitized your hands.
Only hang out with members of your social bubble (the people you live with or have mutually chosen to exclusively see during the outbreak).
Always keep in mind that eating or drinking with other people— even outdoors— can pose a higher risk of exposure. If you go to a restaurant, outdoor seating is safer than indoor seating. Make sure you are seated at least six feet away from other diners. Last but not least, all servers should be wearing masks.
If you don’t feel comfortable going to a restaurant, skip it all together and order carryout. Wipe all containers off when you get home and throw away the bag.
The safety level of different types of transportation can vary widely; depends on the individual circumstances. Walking, bicycling or driving your own car are the safest options for getting from one place to another. But if you’re at least six feet away from other people on a plane, bus or train and you’re all wearing masks, the risk may also be small.
Avoid large gatherings of people when you’re in public spaces such as lobbies, beaches and pools.
While it might be tempting to have a few close friends over, it does carry some risk. Many children who have COVID-19 show no signs of infection but can still spread the virus. A safer option might be to have a small birthday party in your backyard or local park. Just make sure the kids wear masks as much as possible and especially when fewer than six feet apart.
Making the most of Summer 2020 will be tricky but not impossible! When in doubt, throw on your mask, practice social distancing and ALWAYS wash your hands!