Pandemic safety during the Summer

An increase in COVID-19 cases is not the news any of us wanted to kick off the summer with. Even before the latest surge, the pandemic had created a “new normal” for everyday life. That’s more obvious than ever as we have to postpone or rethink common summer activities.

So what will the world look like going forward? And how can you best ensure the long-term health of your family?

Let’s take a look at some common areas of life, and how we’ll have to navigate them to stay healthy.

Safety of Summer Locations Amidst A Pandemic

1. At Home

You’re still safest at home, and hopefully, you’ve managed to create a space you and your family truly enjoy spending time in.

Casual stopovers from extended relatives and neighbors will probably be put on hold. While those social interactions are important, it may be best to keep them to the front porch or driveway rather than adding more variables to your home.

And because you’re spending more time indoors, air quality is more important than ever.

Check out AprilAire’s Healthy Air System^™ to find your starting point for creating a healthy air environment for you and your family.

2. Inside/Work

Masks are likely to become a fixture for all indoor interactions. Additionally, physical dividers between desks, tables, and waiting areas will be found everywhere.

Most people will probably avoid hugs and handshakes. The Society for Human Resource Management recommends some alternatives like bowing and prioritizing eye contact.

Finally, it will become much more normal and appreciated to stay home if you’re not feeling well. Make a regular habit out of checking your temperature before heading to work or whenever you’re leaving your house.

3. Being Outdoors 

There aren’t many other places you’d rather be in the summertime than outside. While we won’t see as many large festivals or crowded restaurants this summer, there is some hope for normality when it comes to outdoor activities.

According to the CDC, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can spread through recreational water. So, lakes, pools, and water playgrounds can be safe if you avoid locker rooms, maintain social distancing, and avoid touching anything on your way to and from the water.

The New York Times recently published a piece analyzing the risk of catching the virus outdoors. The scientists they talked to consistently said that, “With fresh air and more space between people, the risk goes down.”

Keep in mind that being outdoors does not completely remove the risk. But for both physical and mental health, quality time outdoors should remain a regular part of your life as long as you take precautions when coming in close contact with others.

4. Summer Travel 

In the past several decades, worldwide travel has become increasingly convenient and affordable. That’s part of what makes this one of the hardest areas to get used to in the “new normal.”

Getting on an airplane, bus, or other crowded modes of transportation adds a lot of variables to your health. There aren’t yet uniform standards for screening the health of passengers, and you should know that there’s a certain level of risk involved. If you do continue to travel, keep a mask, gloves, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes with you to maintain cleanliness and peace of mind for yourself and those around you.