LYME REGIS, ENGLAND – MAY 25: People sit beside the sea as they enjoy the fine weather on the beach in Lyme Regis on May 25, 2017 in Dorset, England. Parts of the UK are currently enjoying a blast of warm continental air and sunshine which forecasters claim could deliver the hottest May temperatures since the Second World War. With temperatures possibly hitting 30C (86F) on Saturday, it will make it not only the hottest day of the year so far but could even go higher to beat the record-breaking 32.8C (91F) recorded on May 29, 1944..
(Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)It's no secret that the desire to get back up and running in our normal care-free lives is strong... but is it safe?
Infectious disease and public health officials have compiled a list of some of the most popular summer activities and rated them based on their safety in the current pandemic climate.
It's important to note that there is not a zero-risk situation among us, and that your age/health/preexisting conditions may put you in a higher risk category regardless, but there are circumstances that the risk can be reduced (i.e: space, number of people, place, and time.)
Dr. William Miller of Epidemiology at Ohio State University explains "the more time you spend and the closer in space you are to any infected people, the higher your risk. Interacting with more people raises your risk, and indoor places are riskier than outdoors."
From lowest to highest risk:
- Camping (low risk)-- If camping with others, practice regular CDC guidelines.
- Vacation House Rental (low risk)-- If vacationing with others, be sure they've been practicing the measures set in place. Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils, etc.
- Outdoor Backyard Gatherings (low-medium risk)-- Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils etc.
- Indoor Dining at a Restaurant (medium-high risk)-- The concern here is duration of your stay.
- Outdoor Celebration of More Than 10 People (medium-high risk)-- Weddings, large gatherings, etc. pose a higher risk even if outdoors because they entail more people who may be infected, conversing closely/touching one another/sharing spaces or things/etc.
- Nightclubs (high risk)-- Sweating, larger crowds of people, singing, and close dancing all pose a high threat for contraction.
The consensus from experts is to keep practicing social distancing measures and following the latest guidelines. There's plenty of room for fun this summer, 6 feet apart is a good start ;)
