Because the situation surrounding COVID-19 is constantly evolving, some information may not be up to date. Stay informed by following information from your local officials and by visiting the CDC website.
Temperatures are heating up, and as the little ones are finishing their online classes and getting ready for summer, you may be wondering what kind of activities are safe to do in the age of COVID-19. Here are three of our favorite low-risk summer adventures.
Outdoor settings like the pool, lake, or beach are less likely to spread the virus, but you still need to keep a distance from others. But many wonder if the virus can spread through the water — here’s what you need to know:
If going to public areas to swim, be wary of high-traffic surfaces like picnic tables and chairs, stay moving with activities like paddleboarding, walking or running, and avoid the packed towel-to-towel beach crowd. As always, be sure to maintain a distance of at least six feet from everyone else, use hand sanitizer, and don’t use shared equipment like rental beach chairs and kayaks. Don’t forget to grab the sunscreen and read up on water safety before heading out!
When done right, camping can be a safe way to get out of the house for a few days. When making reservations, be sure to ask how many campers they are letting into the park and how much space is between campsites. Keep your distance from other campers, avoid narrow trails or other recreation activities at the park if they seem too crowded, and make sure park staff members are cleaning and stocking the public bathrooms frequently before using one.
If you want to get out of town for a few days, driving somewhere can be much safer than getting on a plane. In both vehicles, you are in a small, enclosed space with others who are breathing and sending out respiratory drops with every sneeze, cough, and word. In the car, you can control who you are with, while you can’t do so on the plane. Be picky about where you stop for bathroom breaks and choose only rest stops that look well-maintained.
Hotels are generally safe to stay at, so don’t worry when stopping for the night. Be sure to wear masks when around other people, maintain social distance in public areas of the hotel, and avoid touching your face. Bring disinfectant to clean high-traffic surfaces in your hotel room, such as remotes, lamps, and light switches, and ask the person at the front desk about the hotel’s cleaning policies.
Staying quarantined in your home all summer can be a bummer, so consider what low-risk activities can get you out of the house and having a good time. Want to do something that’s not listed above? Schedule a visit with your St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network primary care physician. They can share their advice for preventing the spread of COVID-19 while still making the most of your summer.
Sources:
KXAN | Can COVID-19 spread through water in lakes or pools?
C|NET | Coronavirus at the beach, lake, pool: Are you in danger from COVID-19 in the water?
NPR | From Camping To Dining Out: Here's How Experts Rate The Risks Of 14 Summer Activities
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