It’s hard to stay cooped up when the weather is so nice. Here are some tips on how to enjoy your favorite summer activities as Indiana reopens, while staying safe from COVID-19.
Cookouts and Bonfires
Regardless of your county’s restrictions on gathering sizes, remember this: the larger the gathering, the easier it is for COVID-19 to spread.
- DON’T host or attend a cookout or bonfire if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for the disease.
- DO keep your gathering as small as possible and stay at least six feet apart from others.
- DO sanitize if guests enter your house, e.g., to use the restroom, to grab something from the kitchen, etc.
- DON’T share items like condiment bottles or pass around plates of food.
- DO consider single-use items like condiment packets and disposable plates to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- DO encourage guests to wear a mask when they aren’t eating or drinking.
A Day at the Park
A trip to the park can be fun for the whole family. Just make sure you plan ahead and pack accordingly.
- DON’T go to the park if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for the disease.
- DO check the park’s website or bulletin board before going. Public restrooms and water fountains might not be in service, so plan ahead.
- DON’T enter crowded areas. Find a less crowded spot to enjoy your day outdoors.
- DO bring a blanket for a picnic. Sit on the ground so you don’t have to use a public table.
- DO be careful if you let your kids play on the playground. While some parts of the state have reopened playgrounds, it’s still vital to practice good hand hygiene after playing.
- DO use trails and paths to get some exercise, as long as you can pass others with at least six feet between you.
A Day at the Pool
There’s currently no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can be transmitted through pool water. That being said, here are some tips to keep you safe whether or not you get in the pool.
- DON’T go to the pool if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for the disease.
- DO wear a mask outside of the pool, especially if it’s hard to socially distance yourself from others.
- DO practice normal pool safety. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and don’t run around the pool.
- DON'T wear masks in the water. Wet masks can be hard to breathe through.
- DO social distance in the pool. Stay at least six feet away from others.
- DON'T share goggles, snorkels and other personal items that touch your face.
- DON’T use public items like pool noodles and kick boards unless they were recently sanitized.
Road Trips
Travel makes it more likely that you’ll spread or contract COVID-19. If your trip isn’t absolutely necessary, consider staying home and postponing your travel.
- DON’T travel if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for the disease.
- DON’T travel if you, anyone you live with or anyone you’re visiting is at a higher risk of getting very ill from COVID-19.
- DO pack more face masks and hand sanitizer than you think you’ll need. Better safe than sorry!
- DO wash your hands after pumping gas or using a rest stop. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
- DO pack snacks and meals so you’ll have to stop less frequently.
And lastly, remember to wear your mask properly when appropriate.
For more tips on how to stay safe during the pandemic, head over to our COVID-19 FAQ.
