Summer Safety Awareness: Heat-Related Illnesses · Fireworks · Swimming · Boating · Bicycling · Outdoor Cooking · Sunscreens · KidsAndCars.org
Source: EveryDayHealth.com
A summer of fun in the sun is looking a lot more possible this year compared with last year, thanks to COVID-19 vaccines that have changed the course of the pandemic in the United States, Around the country, the capacity of parks, trails, and restaurants have been expanded with no requiring masks or social distancing in public spaces required. A few more things to keep in mind:
Both vaccinated and unvaccinated people can walk, run, wheelchair roll, or bike outdoors without a mask, according to CDC guidelines. The risk of COVID-19 transmission outdoors is much lower outdoors simply due to the way in which air moves in both environments.
Outdoor contact sports such as soccer present a relatively low risk of COVID-19 transmission. But team gatherings off the field — for water breaks or huddles, for instance — could allow unvaccinated people to spread the virus. Social distancing and a face covering guidelines should therefore be followed.
Outdoor sporting events and concerts could be Risky for the unvaccinated. Larger venues have arranged one to six-seat “pod” seating to help minimize COVID-19 risk, each pod being separated from others by at least 6 feet. The unvaccinated should socially distance and wear a face covering when away from their pod.
Unless everyone in the group is vaccinated, it’s best to keep any gathering small to reduce the risk of the virus spreading. Going to a barbecue attended by a few other people is probably okay as long as you are social distancing. Bring your own food, drink, supplies, and utensils if you aren’t from the same household.
For now, children under 12 can’t get vaccinated. That means indoor playdates still present a COVID-19 risk.
There’s currently no evidence that COVID-19 can spread from person to person through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water parks. Wearing a cloth mask while swimming is not recommended it can be hard to breathe once the mask gets wet.
Large conglomerations of people in a small space is possible at most beaches. Make sure you’re setting up your towel or area at least 6 feet apart from other groups.