What you need to know about staying safe from COVID-19 this summer
Summer brings warm weather, sunny skies, and barbecues. Normally safety messages around this time of year would be about protecting yourself from the sun and beating the heat
Instead, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reality for us locally is that the community transmission of COVID-19 is the highest we've ever seen. That's why we're reminding you that safety looks a bit different this year, too.
Celebrate responsibly
If gathering is necessary, make sure you're doing so as safely as possible. Keep activities outdoors. Remember your safety best practices:
Enjoy the great outdoors
If gathering is necessary, socialize outside. It allows for great social distancing and because of greater airflow, the risk of transmitting COVID-19 is much lower than inside. Maintain distance between yourself and others. Two arm's length or 6 feet is recommended.
Limit your social circle
If gathering, limit your social circle to family or a small group of neighbors or friends who are following the same habits as your family. It will be easier to maintain your safety standards and you will not feel awkward about it.
Use a face mask
Use a face mask, especially when other social distancing strategies are difficult to maintain.
Don't share eating utensils, food, or drinks
Avoid drinking from the same cups and eating off the same plates as others. Bring your own food and drink instead of sharing.
Wash your hands often
Wash your hands after you have been in a public place or touched shared surfaces. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. You can wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
What you do has an impact
What you do has an impact on your loved ones, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
Think of it like driving in a car: You wear your seatbelt, drive the speed limit, don't drink and drive, and follow the rules of the road. All these things combined makes for a safer ride. Likewise, following these standard safety precautions makes for a safe summer.
None of us are exempt from this virus. We all must do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19.