As spring rolls into summer, and Americans start to reemerge from quarantines intended to slow down the spread of the coronavirus, planning for family activities – from pool parties to backyard barbecues prompts this question: Is it safe?
No activity comes without risk, but there are some family activities that may have reduced risk of coronavirus infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who are 65 and older and those with underlying medical conditions are still classified at increased risk for severe illness from coronavirus. Ultimately, it all boils down to personal responsibility. We all have a responsibility not to infect others.
You might be wondering how to best protect your family this season and what activities are safe. Your Dallas dentist shares some tips on family summer safety.
1. Playdates
Your children haven’t seen their friends for some time, and it might be tempting to set up summertime playdates for them. However, keep in mind that observing social distancing is crucial. In fact, the CDC recommends against having playdates with kids from other households. The fewer people your kids are exposed to, the better. If they are playing outside, make sure that your children are 6 feet apart from others.
2. Sports, camping, and outdoor hiking
Generally, outdoor activities carry less risk than indoor activities. More air flow lessens your chance of coming across airborne virus. Camping and hiking may be low risk, providing that you maintain a distance from other people.
Physical sports like football, soccer, or basketball are still tagged as high-risk activities. Events such as festivals, parades, and concerts bring huge groups of people for an extended period of time and are considered high-risk activities.
3. Backyard barbecues
Always remember: the fewer the people, the lower the risk, and this also applies to gatherings with family and friends. Have fun with smaller groups. Instead of taking face masks off to eat at a get-together, why not eat at home and then talk to family and friends outdoors afterwards?
Try to think about all the possible scenarios where people might interact. For example, it’s best if you talk to your kids that their grandparents are immune compromised, so it’s wise to limit physical interaction with them during the visit.
During this special time, we need to reframe summer and be conscious about family summer safety. But this doesn’t mean that you cannot go outside and get active with your kids. You can plan some easy activities like taking a walk or running through the sprinkler. Bike riding around the neighborhood is also a great source of exercise. Just be sure to take the proper precautions.
Sources:
“People Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html
“Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Children,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/protect-children.html
“Keep Children Healthy during the COVID-19 Outbreak,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children.html
