Summer is the season of cookouts, hanging out poolside and other fun outdoor activities. However, this summer is different for obvious reasons — and public health officials are making efforts to remind residents that while they enjoy the pleasures of summer, there are ways to do so safely.
As North Carolina remains in “Phase 2” through August 7, face coverings are still required in many public settings as a part of the overall effort to stop the community spread of COVID-19. Here are some guidelines about where masks are appropriate, if not required:
- Restaurants: Customers should keep their distance from others and wear face coverings even when dining outdoors; face coverings should be removed only when eating and drinking.
- Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Centers: Residents should be respectful of others by maintaining physical distance and wearing face coverings.
- Parks and trails: Individuals are encouraged to exercise but should still maintain physical distance with those not in their household. If they are somewhere that social distancing cannot be maintained, they should wear face coverings.
One of the most popular traditional summer activities is the time-honored trip to a local swimming pool. Should you choose to take a dip, follow safe swimming practices along with social distancing and everyday preventative actions to protect yourself and others. Here are some potential measures:
- Swimmers should stay home if they are not feeling well.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from those not in the same household.
- Wear a face covering when entering/exiting the facility and using the restroom.
- Follow good hygiene such as showering and washing hands frequently.
- For more information about swimming safety, visit the CDC’s Considerations for Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Water Playgrounds during COVID-19.
Another summer staple is the backyard cookout, which often includes a gathering of friends and family. Even when keeping circles tight and exposure limited, keep these grilling guidelines in mind:
- Arrange tables and chairs to allow for social distancing. People from the same household can be in groups together and don’t need to be 6 feet apart unless someone is ill – just 6 feet away from other households.
- If planning activities for adults and/or kids, consider those where social distancing can be maintained, like sidewalk chalk art or frisbee.
- When guests arrive, minimize gestures that promote close contact. For example, don’t shake hands, do elbow bumps, or give hugs. Instead wave and verbally greet them.
- Consider providing face coverings for guests or asking them to bring their own.
- Consider providing hand sanitizer in addition to hand washing areas.
- Avoid larger gatherings, especially if people are likely to come into close contact with those from other households.
- For more information about safety for cookouts and other summer activities, visit the CDC’s Personal and Social Activities page.
If your summer itinerary includes a trip or vacation, research your destination and any applicable businesses to see what precautions are in place. Here are some practical tips for summer travel in a time of social distancing:
- Use options for hotel online reservation and check-in, mobile room key and contactless payment.
- Call ahead and ask if all staff are wearing face coverings at work.
- Look for any extra prevention practices being implemented by the hotel, such as plexiglass barriers at check-in counters, and physical distancing signs in the lobby.
- Ask if the hotel has updated policies about cleaning and disinfecting or removing frequently touched surfaces and items (such as pens, room keys, tables, phones, remote controls, doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons and ice/vending machines).
- For more information about safely planning travel during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit the CDC’s Considerations for Travel in the US.
