Summer 2020: How to Stay Safe and Have Fun Amid COVID-19
With warmer weather and relaxed restrictions, many people are wondering what is allowed this summer. Generally, experts encourage being outside, as long as you are away from other people.
As one pulmonologist explained to Everyday Health:
“Going outside is great for your physical and mental health, but it’s important to keep in mind how the virus is transmitted. It’s mainly spread by close proximity with other people, primarily through respiratory droplets that people can exhale… I encourage everyone to spend more time outside as long as they plan in advance. Consider the place you want to go, when it will be the least crowded, and take the best measures you can to stay safe while outdoors, including wearing a face covering when needed and practicing social distancing.”
While this general advice is great, we also thought it would be helpful to breakdown summer safety by activity. Let’s get started.
Can I Go Swimming?
Yes! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence that COVID-19 can spread to people through water.
Whether you go to the beach or a public pool, stay at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with – both in and out of the water. Avoid sharing pool toys, sunscreen, and other items with people outside of your household. When you are not in the water, you should wear a cloth face covering. This is especially important in areas where it is hard to stay 6 feet away from others, such as crowded parking lots, pool decks, and beach-entry points.
As always, wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable.
Can I Go Out to Eat?
Many states across the country have reopened indoor dining, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Poor ventilation can cause problems, so eating outdoors is your best option, at least according to an infection-prevention epidemiologist at George Mason University. When in doubt, you can order take out, pack a picnic, or even fire up the grill at home.
Reminder About Grill Safety
If you do decide to grill, make sure you are not doing so in an enclosed area or near anything flammable and keep people and pets away from the grill. Always keep an eye on the grill when it is in use and never add starter fluid after your coals are ignited.
Can I Go Running, Hiking, or Biking?
Yes. Experts agree that the risk of infection during outdoor exercise is low. Even if you pass someone without a mask, you will not be exposed to them for very long, which reduces your risk of contracting the virus.
Nevertheless, you should always keep safety in mind and be wary of bicycle crashes and pedestrian accidents.
Can I Travel?
When traveling, your biggest risk factor is other people. Road trips with people in your household are generally safe, but you will need to be careful with public restrooms, and you should not forget the ever-present risk of car accidents. Similarly:
“If you’re camping with people you live with, you’re basically just taking your house to a different place, and that’s fine.” Again, you’ll need to be careful with public restrooms and other shared campsite utilities.
Can I Stay in a Hotel?
Hotels, Airbnbs, and other rentals are moderately risky, mainly because you have the potential to run into other people. As long as you have clean linens and disinfected surfaces, you probably won’t catch COVID-19 from your room, but be sure to wash your hands before and after leaving and avoid lingering in lobbies, elevators, and other high-traffic areas.
Have a Fun, Healthy Summer!
At the Law Office of Robert Castro, P.A., we want you to have a safe summer and enjoy all the season has to offer. We hope our tips help you handle COVID-19, and you can visit our blog for plenty of other safety advice.
Remember, COVID-19 is not the only danger this summer. If you are injured in an accident or by someone else’s negligence, you can always call our firm.
Our attorneys are here for you at (301) 870-1200 and online.
