With cases of COVID-19 surging again in some areas, many people are reconsidering their outside activities.
So as you head out to July outings and vacations, experts say you should know the most and least risky things you can do.
You've probably seen the pictures of busy beaches and packed bars.
But only one of them is extremely high risk for COVID, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Low risk activities
The CDC says the following are low risk:
- Outdoor walking or running, as long as you are not packed in a close group of friends.
- Outdoor dining with family, as long as you are at least 6 feet from other tables and the server is wearing a mask.
- Sitting on beaches or at lakes away from other people.
- Swimming in pools, again at social distance levels.
Medium risk activities
Listed as moderate, or medium risk are:
- Getting a haircut or manicure, but it is essential that both customer and stylist must wear masks.
- Working out in a gym, with constant wipe-downs of machines with disinfectant.
- Staying in a hotel.
- Flying, as long as everyone wears masks. Preferably do not eat or drink during the flight.
- Visiting elderly parents as long as you have not had symptoms or been near known COVID-19 carriers.
- Low-contact team sports, such as youth baseball
Highest risk activities
With cases surging in many states, the CDC warns against:
- Large gatherings anywhere, even outdoors, where loud talking can spread the virus.
- Indoor parties, whether it is with neighbors, close friends, or extended family. Sit on the deck at a safe distance.
- High-contact sports with players from other communities, such as football.
- Bars, nightclubs and indoor restaurants where patrons are close together, especially without masks.
That gets back to our first question: It's bars that are highest risk. Beaches can be safe as long as the beach is not packed shoulder to shoulder, as Miami Beach was on a recent weekend.
Governors are closing beaches simply because too many people are gathering there too close together at once.
Bottom line: Doctors say if you avoid close contact with other people, and wear a mask in public places like stores, you boost your chances of staying safe and you don't waste your money.
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