The safe outdoors
Enjoy public spaces during coronavirus, Marylanders, but be smart about it
Even in a global pandemic and national emergency, children want to play. So families kept coming recently to a playground in Howard County.
First, dozens of people showed up. Then more than 100, then more than 250 people, officials reported. Elsewhere, parks, playgrounds and basketball courts were overrun. They closed the gates.
Bigger crowds than usual have begun heading outside to jogging trails, ball courts and parks. It’s all the result of coincidence: Spring has arrived during a coronavirus outbreak that has freed up Marylanders from work and school.
While officials say it’s generally safe outdoors, they urge precautions. After all, this isn’t a holiday, Gov. Larry Hogan told families during a recent news conference.
The governor banned gatherings of more than 10 people.
“Some people are treating this like a vacation or spring break with parties and cookouts and large gatherings at some of our parks,” Hogan said. “Let me be very clear: If you are engaged in this type of activity, you are in violation of state law and you are endangering the lives of your fellow Marylanders.”
The number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in Maryland, with at least 349 cases confirmed by state health officials. The virus has infected children, from an infant to a teenager. A 5-year-old girl in Howard County has the virus, and a Prince George’s County man in his 60s became the first in Maryland to die of it.
Doctors believe the virus spreads mostly from people in close contact, within about six feet. So they are urging everyone to keep their distance; they call this “social distancing.”
Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes can be inhaled or land on others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Touching contaminated surfaces can spread the virus. That’s why doctors are encouraging everyone to wash their hands frequently. Handshakes are a bad idea, and try to avoid touching your face.
In Baltimore, health officials found the virus has already spread through the community, meaning people have become infected without knowing where they picked up the virus. Health officials have confirmed at least 41 cases in the city.
While city parks remain open, officials