After months of lockdown, cooped-up communities are weighing the risks of summer activities as the weather warms up. Is the beach safe if masks are worn? Can the family barbecue still go on as planned with a few modifications? A campsite has to be safer than a heavily trafficked grocery store, right?
According to experts, there won’t be any truly risk-free summer activities this year. It’s a scientific reality of the current coronavirus pandemic. “We all want this to be over. We all want to get on with our lives,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a virtual briefing. “But the hard reality is this is not even close to being over.” With over 500,000 deaths and confirmed infections staggering over 10 million, the pandemic is a very real threat. (1)
So how should families and individuals approach summer? Even though the U.S. is seeing an alarming surge in new COVID-19 cases, quarantine fatigue’s effects are being keenly felt. Social distancing, though essential in halting the virus’ spread, can make us feel isolated and depressed. Since many people are seeking some normalcy and a break from our scary new reality, it’s important to understand the risks. Thankfully, we have expert advice from medical professionals and scientists to help us weigh the risks of summer activities. (2)
The Risks Of 14 Common Summer Activities
1. Going To The Beach
The risk of this summer staple is relatively low. Plenty of fresh air minimizes the spread of the virus, as long as social distancing is maintained. Dr. Erin Bromage, an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, said the number of people can affect the risk. “Outdoors is inherently safer than indoors,” she notes, “but it’s about the number of people around.” Crowded bathrooms and packed beaches mean closer contact, and closer contact means greater risk. Wearing a mask and keeping apart from others will help minimize the danger. (3)
2. Swimming In A Pool
The risk of this activity depends on the location. Your own backyard pool with your family? Perfectly fine. The risk comes with sharing the space with others. Dr. Andrew Noymer is a Public Health Professor at the University of California Irvine. He says that swimming by itself is fine, but problems come as “swimming pools are social events.” Though the virus doesn’t survive in water environments, hanging around the pool and socializing in large groups can be risky. (3)
3. Backyard Barbecues
A family barbecue or get-together can be safe–depending on the circumstance. Dr. Preeti Malani, chief health officer and professor of medicine and infectious disease at the University of Michigan, warns that precautions need to be taken. “Have fun with smaller groups,” she says. It also might help to have gatherings that don’t include eating so that face masks don’t have to be removed. Having these plans ahead of time will help everyone to stay safe. (4)
4. Group Sports
Many favorite summer activities include outdoor sports. Most sports are safe, as long as contact is limited. For example, a game of golf is a non-contact sport that is fairly safe. Dr. Noymer says that masks aren’t needed with family. If playing with strangers? “Mask up,” he cautions. Other sports, though, have an increased risk. Contact sports like football are not the best idea. (3)
5. Summer Camps
While the closures of certain activities change almost daily, some U.S. states are allowing summer camps to open. This can be a tricky area to assess, even with added health measures in place. Dr. Aaron Glatt is a doctor at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital and a spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Although he notes that “one could theoretically create like a bubble of the people in the camp” if the health of attendees was checked beforehand, the kids could bring a virus home. The child may not have symptoms, but family–including vulnerable elderly relatives–could be exposed and contract the virus. (5)
6. Travel
Since the CDC currently recommends that non-essential travel should be avoided, you should probably reschedule that family vacation. Keeping activities local will keep you and your family safe and also prevent exposure to other cities should be an asymptomatic carrier. (5)
7. Camping
As an outdoor activity with family, camping is fairly safe. Again, the risk changes when adding strangers or non-family to the mix. Glen Mays, professor of health policy at the Colorado School of Public Health, warns that “large groups of people in close proximity for more than five or 10 minutes” should be avoided. Instead of inviting friends from multiple areas, it’s safer to keep your campsite just family. (4)
8. Hiking
Hiking is a low risk, as it generally doesn’t cause you to come in contact with large groups. Pick a trail that’s not overcrowded, and wear a mask if you’ll be regularly passing other hikers.
9. Hanging At The Bar
Heading to the bar is one of the riskiest activities you can partake in this summer. Several states have reported large outbreaks of COVID-19 cases linked to pub outings, and this risk doesn’t lessen just because a bar is outdoors. Since they tend to be cramped, crowded, and the perfect place for long conversations, the likelihood of transmission is extremely high. Music, which causes people to talk louder to hear each other, can increase particle flow from the mouth and potentially spread infected droplets. It’s best to grab a six-pack and relax at home to avoid unnecessary exposure. (6)
10. Dining Out
While the CDC says that take-out only and drive-through meals are relatively safe, on-site dining can be risky. This risk increases if restaurants are not spacing out tables and reducing capacity. If you’re going to go out, make sure the establishment you visit has clear guidelines and is taking all precautions with their staff and other patrons. If possible, dining outside is better than indoors. (7)
11. Attending A Wedding Or Celebration
Although many people have postponed weddings or held celebrations via videoconferencing, rules regarding gatherings vary by state. With so many factors–like local regulations, who will be attending the event, and the number of people gathered–it can be tricky to assess the risk. Very small gatherings held outdoors, and with only local guests, are likely the safest option.
12. Staying At A Hotel
The risk of a hotel stay can be on the lower end, as long as the place you stay is taking the pandemic seriously. It’s also a good idea to stay local, avoiding travel if it’s not essential. According to Dr. Gabriela M. Andujar Vazquez, an infectious disease physician and associate hospital epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center in Massachusetts, you should check with the hotel beforehand. “As long as the hotels and Airbnbs are transparent about what measures they are taking to make sure that it is safe for people to come and stay with them, it should be OK,” she advises. (8)
13. Using Public Restrooms
If you’re going to be out and about, you may need to use a public restroom at some point. Ali Nouri, a microbiologist and president of the Federation of American Scientists, suggests avoiding them if possible. “If you don’t have to use the public restroom, don’t,” she said. If you do, limit what you touch and be sure to wash hands thoroughly when you’re finished. You also want to be sure to wear your mask. “Masks are one of the most effective ways to stop human-to-human transmission,” Nouri added. (9)
14. Going Shopping At The Mall
Escaping the heat with some indoor A/C at your favorite store can sound tempting, but it may not be safe. If your mall of choice has high foot traffic and is indoors, you’ll likely come in contact with more people-factors that increase your risk. Instead, try shopping online or opting for curbside pickup. Dr. Purvi Parikh, a pediatric allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone Health in New York City, notes what to do if you decide to shop in person. “People shouldn’t be allowed in unless they’re wearing masks,” she says. “Theoretically, the risk can be low, but anytime there’s an unknown factor, you’re taking a risk.” (10)
