We're all ready to feel some sense of normalcy — even if that means embracing a new kind of normal for a while longer. But it's incredibly tough to know what we're supposed to be doing right now. Pandemics don't come along all that often (thank goodness), and that means almost none of us are experts on how to appropriately respond.
It feels like the questions on the tops of our mind are endless: Should we stay quarantined in our homes all summer? Are we allowed to see our friends? Can we go to the pool when it opens?
All of those questions have meant there has been a drastically broad range of reactions, from people who don't seem to be taking precautions at all to those so anxious about the potential of getting sick or making others sick that even leaving the house to go to the grocery store for essential items is a struggle.
Kim Stinchcomb, MPH, CPH, is a public health emergency response planner with Prince George's County Health Department. She tells LittleThings that our collective behavior is important and has the power to make big impacts. "People's mindset and general behavior play such a big part in how this goes," she says. "But behavior is one of the hardest things to change."
With that in mind, it's important to note that there is some risk associated with most choices we're going to make, and we need to be aware of that. Thankfully, many of those choices, including some of our favorite summer activities, are pretty low on the risk scale.
A recent report from NPR asked experts to weigh in on the safety of popular summer activities.
Here's what the experts had to say:
Outdoor Exercise — Low Risk
For many people, knowing that they can still get outside is a huge relief. And with summer on its way in, it's great to hear that the experts say the risk factors when it comes to physical fitness are pretty low. Of course, if you're going for a walk or a jog or heading to an area like a public park where other people will be around, you should practice social distancing and still wear a mask. With that being said, exercise is always a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. Knowing that there are plenty of ways to do it safely is a huge plus.
Camping — Low Risk
Even if you don't love camping, now might be a great time to give it a try — because camping is another low-risk activity. There are a few reasons why camping is deemed pretty safe. First, it happens outdoors and, usually, not in areas populated by a huge number of people. If you're around only your family (or whoever you've been isolating with), your risks are going to be all-around pretty low.
Vacationing With One Other Family — Low Risk
When planning vacations, you have to think about what activities you're going to be doing while you're there. But heading to a beach house with your family and maybe one other family is pretty safe. Of course, if you start adding in outings, like heading to a crowded boardwalk, that changes the risk factor. But because keeping a small circle is important, getting out of town with a small group has a relatively small amount of risk.
Having a Backyard BBQ — Low to Medium Risk
Hanging out in the backyard with delicious food and maybe a sprinkler on for the kids is a summer tradition. Of course, this summer, those kinds of gatherings do have a fair amount of risk. Experts put this activity in the low- to medium-risk category.
It's important to know that the other individuals you're socializing with have been practicing social distancing before getting together. You should also make sure the area where you're gathering is spacious enough so that everyone can have enough room for themselves.
Staying at a Hotel — Low to Medium Risk
Staying at a hotel is also in the low- to medium-risk category. Of course, that really goes for once you're in your hotel room. Common areas like indoor dining spaces, gyms, and even the check-in counter, especially if crowded, can be much riskier. However, if you practice social distancing, wear a mask in populated areas of the hotel, and wash your hands often, you can reduce some of those bigger risks.
Eating Indoors at a Restaurant — Medium to High Risk
Heading to our favorite restaurants seems to be pretty high up on everyone's summer wish list. Unfortunately, the risk is still pretty high. That's because when you're eating indoors, next to other patrons, there's a lot of danger there. For one, it's tough to wear a mask when you're eating and drinking. Also, many restaurants don't have enough space to seat everyone far enough apart.
Eating outdoors definitely reduces the risk factor, but, of course, you can't do that everywhere. Eating indoors at a restaurant is still one of the riskier summer activities you can do.
Celebrations or Large Gatherings — Medium to High Risk
It's probably not a great idea to head to a large gathering, like a wedding or a graduation party, just yet. That's because there are just going to be too many people to practice social distancing or to know that everyone you come in contact with has been using good sense in efforts to keep themselves safe. But another important factor might be how much your emotions come into play.
Kimberly says gatherings like weddings, funerals, or anything where emotions might be running high can be much riskier. At those events, people tend to let their guards down when it comes to their personal safety. "If you go to the park you can avoid 200 strangers," she says, "but can you stop your family members from hugging at a family reunion or wedding?"
Indoor Religious Service — High Risk
While many churches are opening their doors, religious gatherings are still a high-risk activity. That's because there are typically going to be a lot of people present, and when those gatherings take place indoors (which they typically do), everyone is going to be breathing the same air. Chances are, there won't be a lot of opportunities to practice social distancing.
There are some things people can do to keep themselves safe, like continue to wear masks and stay 6 feet away from other churchgoers. For now, virtual church services are still a great option.
Going to a Nightclub — High Risk
It's not the best time to go to a nightclub. Essentially, it's a recipe for disease transmission. There are a few reasons for that. First, it's nearly impossible to practice social distancing in a crowded club. Also, whenever alcohol comes into play, judgment becomes impaired.
It's important to remember that there are still tons of ways to enjoy the summer, even if we can't do absolutely everything we want. There will be a time when we don't have to worry quite so much. For now, listening to the experts and knowing that day will come sooner based on how we respond now can help us get to the next phase.
