Have a kids’ playdate

classes is possible, as long as the right precautions are taken.

“You want to be careful about group classes, outdoors even, stay six feet or 12 feet away from people if you’re going to be participating in those things,” Wolfson said. But otherwise, [outdoor exercise] should be pretty safe.”

The question about getting kids together for a playdate is frequently asked of pediatricians like Jones, and there’s not a simple answer.

While children seem to be generally less affected by COVID-19, they can still be vectors of the virus and pass it on to parents or grandparents.

“For a long time, we told people they should not be having playdates,” Jones said, but she has since revised her answer. “If you have a family friend … and you know they’re being safe, then I think it’s okay to get those two or three kids together in an outdoor activity.”

Wolfson acknowledged the struggle kids and parents have faced with the desire to get out and be social again.

”It’s as tough for kids as it is for parents to have been locked up these past four months,” he said. “You want to be sure that you ask the other family the same questions that we are being asked when we go to places — Have you had a fever? … Any respiratory distress, any other symptoms of [COVID-19]?”

Air travel

Another big question looms as travelers ponder if summer vacations or family visits are still possible: How safe is air travel?

There’s not an easy answer, but it is possible for passengers to take steps to mitigate their own risk while traveling by air.

“The airlines are trying to do a job to keep their planes clean, the airports are going to try to do their

best to keep the terminal areas clean,” Wolfson said. “But it’s a particularly highrisk area. Be very careful and bring wipes with you, sanitizer, cover your face.”

Smith said this is a situation where something stronger than a cloth or surgical mask may be warranted.

“If you have the ability to wear an N95 mask because you are in a close-air space with lots of people, that will reduce your risk,” she said.

As for health experts like Jones, some people may not fly again for quite some time.

“I personally would not fly at this time unless it was an emergency,” Jones said. “If you choose to fly, then you definitely need to prepare and plan to be safe.”

‘We can make it through the summer’

Despite all of the modifications that are being made with common summer activities and safety precautions that should be taken, it’s still possible to enjoy this summer.

“Let’s push the window here, we’re a dynamic community in this state … we thrive on group activities and theme parks and beaches. Let’s find a way to make it work,” Wolfson said, also noting that the virus won’t go away on its own anytime soon. “Don’t get complacent. This is not over, we’re not even done with the first phase of this thing yet. … You give [the virus] a chance when you become complacent.”

Smith said it saddened her to see how masking has become a politicized issue since it has proven to be a simple and effective measure of “source controlling.”

“Wearing a mask says, ‘I care about your health and safety,‘ ” she said. “I think we can make it through the summer, and I think we can still have fun. We just need to help each other make good choices.”