How should physical distancing and other safety measures against COVID-19 factor into typical Memorial Day activities like cookouts and swimming pools? Tips from public health experts:
Personal risk depends on personal risk tolerance as well, Allen emphasized. Some people will feel more hesitant and concerned about joining others for an event, and it’s important to acknowledge and understand people’s personal preferences, he said.
Rather than arguing with or taunting others, this “gradual reopening” will take a degree of cooperation, communication and trust. “Individual risk includes what you find acceptable or not,” Allen said. “Some people may feel less comfortable with non-essential interactions.” Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House’s coronavirus task force, says Americans should “go out” for Memorial Day. “Go out, wear a mask, stay 6 feet away from anyone so you have the physical distancing, and go out.” #CNNTownHallhttps://t.co/VmYxwv4ftTpic.twitter.com/0iuWlZb4qDWithout a doubt, this summer will not be like most summers. To safely kick it off on Memorial Day weekend, everyone needs to use common sense as they make plans. Take it slow. Keep it small. Continue to use safe COVID-19 practices, such as maintaining physical distance, wearing masks and washing your hands often. “If you want to have one small gathering over the weekend, think about ways to do it safely,” said Marybeth Sexton, assistant professor of medicine in Emory University’s Division of Infectious Diseases. “That doesn’t mean host a party, attend another party, get your hair cut and go to the grocery store three times for supplies.” The more events and activities you do, the more people you’ll encounter, and the more likely you’ll get exposed to the virus — or even expose others. Gathering outside is a great idea, especially because ventilation is better than inside, and fresh air can dilute the virus. Meet friends at a distance and stay separated in the backyard. Keep groups under 10 people, which makes sense for people who have limited outdoors areas. “People are getting frustrated about not seeing friends and family, and it’s important to start venturing out a little bit,” she said. “But try to keep it contained and follow safety protocols.”Barbecues and cookouts seem like a great idea this weekend, especially if everyone can maintain distance and handle their own items. One person should do the food preparation, and everyone should serve themselves. Use tongs or silverware instead of sticking your hand in a bag of chips, for instance. Everyone should wash their hands often and avoid touching their faces, Sexton said. “Have individual packages or portions of things,” she said. “You definitely don’t want multiple people putting their hands into something.”The National Park Service announced plans to reopen some areas, and many local and regional campgrounds are reopening as well. Being outdoors is a great idea, and open space reduces the risk of transmission, too. Hiking is considered “lower risk,” depending on where you choose to go and how many people are there. Take your mask with you, and put it on if you’re passing people, especially on a narrow trail, Sexton said. For camping, the same rules apply if you’re sharing a facility or restroom. Although it’s ideal to have separate areas, washing your hands is the most important protection, she said. If you’re at a campground with staff, ask them about the cleaning and disinfection procedures. Of course, the biggest concern with parks and campgrounds is preventing crowds. Parks may need to limit the numbers of people who can enter, and the responsibility of physical distancing will fall on those who are in the parks. “This will take a great deal of social trust. We need to act responsibly and abide by the rules,” Allen said. “We all have to do our part in this. It’s our only way to get through this.”Like parks, beaches offer great possibilities for fresh air and open space, but they also face the issue of overcrowding. Local officials will need to limit numbers, if possible, by reducing available parking spots and monitoring entrances and exits. This might mean that people can’t access their favorite spots as easily as before, Allen said, and some may be turned away entirely, so be prepared for that. Some islands may choose not to reopen yet because an influx of tourists could overwhelm their hospitals or small restaurants where physical distancing isn’t possible, Sexton said, so check your destination before you go. The added difficulty with beaches is that, although you can create distance among groups on the sand, beachgoers often pass each other to walk along the beach. In general, you can remove your face mask if you’re seated on the sand with your own group, but if you walk on the beach or talk to others, put it back on, Allen said. “The challenge for beaches is we’ve never had to manage the flow in this way,” he said. “We may need to create lanes for people to walk and find spots, and they need to stay in the groups they traveled with to do it safely.”
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