Summer of coronavirus: What’s safe? What’s risky?
Temperatures are heating up and the sunny days are starting to outnumber the cloudy ones. This can only mean one thing — summer is on its way.
But, while summer is usually a time of beach visits, backyard barbecues and other social gatherings, the COVID-19 pandemic has people questioning whether their activities of choice are safe.
According to experts, the safety of beloved seasonal diversions varies wildly, but there are some consistencies. “Anything indoors with people is riskier than outdoors with people,” said Dr. Gregory Buller, associate chief medical officer and chairman of medicine at Bridgeport Hospital. “Also, the risk is going to be directly proportional to whether people are observing social distancing guidelines.”
Summer Johnson McGee, dean of the School of Health Sciences at the University of New Haven, echoed those thoughts. “(Summer activities) can only be safe with face coverings and proper social distancing,” she said. “In general, the larger number of people and the lesser ability to have physical distancing increases risk.”
To help provide some guidance in planning what to do in the weeks and months ahead, below is a list of some of the riskier summer activities during the pandemic, followed by some of the safer pursuits, according to health experts.
Riskier activities
Eating at an indoor restaurant — Indoor dining hasn’t yet reopened in Connecticut, and experts said that’s fine with them. McGee named eating with others in an enclosed space as one of the riskier public activities. Buller agreed, particularly since people can’t wear masks while eating. “It’s very worrisome,” he said.
Using a public restroom — While not necessarily a “fun summer activity,” public restrooms are sometimes a necessity during summer road trips. Due to the pandemic, a lot of roadside rest stops are closed. However, those lucky enough to find an open one should exercise caution, McGee and Buller said. “You don’t know what people have touched,” Buller said. If such a restroom is not avoidable, experts urged thorough hand-washing and/or the use of hand sanitizer.
Sending children to summer camp — Even though Connecticut camps are looking to open this summer, experts are a bit leery, since it can be hard to keep kids apart. McGee named it as one of the more hazardous activities, as did Buller. “I don’t know about that,” Buller said. “That would worry me.”
Staying at a hotel — Again, more of a practical necessity than fun diversion. But the issue here is the same as with the public restroom, Buller said — too much stuff touched by other hands. And, while the risk of infection through surfaces is likely smaller than with personto-person contact, Buller said it’s best to avoid hightouch environments.
Getting a haircut — Chopping off heavy long locks in favor of a short haircut is a summer tradition for some. And, with barbershops and hairdressers tentatively scheduled to open soon, experts urged caution, as this is an activity that requires close contact with others. But Buller said he doesn’t think it’s as dangerous as some of the other activities, mainly because all the instruments involved need to be sanitized anyway, and it’s feasible for both professionals and patrons to wear their masks through the entire process.
Less risky activities
Exercising outdoors — When done smartly, McGee and Buller said enjoying some physical activity in the outdoors is one of the safest things people can do. Walking, biking, golfing and many other pursuits can be done solo or in small, properly distanced groups by people wearing masks.
Spending the day at the beach or pool — Though some alarming photos have surfaced of beachgoers packed together like sardines in some areas of the country, Buller said it’s entirely possible for waterside entertainment to be safe, as long as people remain an appropriate distance apart and wear a face covering when possible or necessary.
Small vacations — Small group vacations consisting of the immediately family or just one other family are probably fine, as long as everyone is healthy and everyone has been observing social distancing guidelines, the experts said.
Eating outdoors at a restaurant — Though there’s risk involved anywhere that people can’t wear a face covering, Buller said eating outdoors is safer than eating indoors, due to the openness of the environment.
McGee and Buller urged common sense. “Any of these activities are only safe if protective measures are taken and reduced capacity for all venues is strictly enforced to allow for social distancing,” McGee said.