Summer is already here and most of us who have been quarantined for months are itching to get outside and enjoy summer activities. There are some others who are wary of visiting vacation/ leisure spots, letting their hair down and enjoy the warmth and that is understandable because the constant threat of contracting or spreading COVID-19 is still looming over us.
As a general rule, the more time you spend in close spaces with different people at different times, the higher your risk for contracting the virus. So, before you take that trip, here are a few questions to answer;
- How many people will be there?
- Will it be possible for everyone to keep at least six feet between each other?
- Will everyone be wearing nose masks?
- How long will you be around everyone?
That’s not all. Once you have answers to these questions in the positive, you can then engage in activities that will not put you or your loved ones at risk of contracting the virus.
Here are a few things to consider;
Choose outdoor activities:
The COVID-19 virus is primarily spread from person to person among those in close contact, within about six (6) feet (or 2 meters).
When you’re outside, fresh air is constantly moving, dispersing these droplets. So, you’re less likely to breathe in enough of the respiratory droplets containing the virus that causes COVID-19 to become infected if you haven’t had a COVID-19 vaccine.
Being outside offers other benefits, too. It offers an emotional boost and can help you feel less tense, stressed, angry or depressed. And sunlight can give your body vitamin D, too.
There are many activities you can enjoy, whether you’re visiting your favourite public, state or national park, or just spending time in your neighbourhood. These are low-risk ways to move more;
- Walking, running and hiking.
- Rollerblading and biking.
- Fishing and hunting.
- Skiing, including cross-country and downhill skiing.
- Ice skating.
- Snowboarding.
- Sledding.
- Snowshoeing.
- Golfing.
- Rock or ice climbing.
- Kayaking, canoeing, diving, boating or sailing.
If you’re unvaccinated, avoid crowded sidewalks and narrow paths and choose routes that make it easy to keep your distance. Wear a mask outdoors in places where there is a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. Don’t wear a mask during activities in which it might get wet, such as swimming.
Low-risk social activities:
Depending on your location and the weather, many other low-risk outdoor activities can include;
Picnics: Pack food from home or takeout from your favourite restaurant or food truck. Take it to enjoy at your favourite public park, or eat out on your patio or deck.
Outdoor farmers markets: Since there tends to be a lot of people at the market, wear a mask and maintain the required social distance.
Drive-in movies/concerts, parties: It is something many people can enjoy together with plenty of physical distance.
Low- to moderate-risk outdoor activities:
While some of these activities may not be available in all seasons and locations, take advantage of them when the weather permits. Here are some ideas;
Restaurant patio dining: Outdoor patio dining at uncrowded restaurants where patio tables are spaced appropriately is safer than indoor dining if you haven’t been vaccinated. Remember to wash your hands when you enter and leave.
Camping: If you camp with people who do not live in your household and you’re unvaccinated, camp in separate tents and avoid sharing camping supplies, including food and drinks. Disinfect surfaces as often as you can. Better safe than sorry.
Swimming pools and beaches: If you go to the beach and come into close contact with others, your risk is higher if you haven’t been vaccinated. Take note that water itself doesn’t spread the COVID-19 virus to people, according to experts.
Gathering with small groups of friends: Plan activities that don’t require close contact, such as sidewalk chalk for kids and games like Frisbee. And remember to bring a hand sanitiser.
Though some places are beginning to reopen even to tourists, the virus is not gone. So, make sure to adhere to the safety in your community and the host country.
Do you have questions or comments? Do share with us in the comment section.
