>> Summer is here and many of us
are eager to get out of the
house. So how do you get back to
some of the normal activities of
summer while still being
cautious, given the continued
threat of COVID-19? We asked
experts to rate the risks of
these summer activities. And
here's what they said. Keep in
mind, your personal risk depends
on your age, your overall health
and the threat level in your
area. Remember, there's no such
thing as a zero risk, but the
best defense is to keep your
distance from crowds, wear a
mask, and -- yes, you are tired
of hearing it, I know -- keep
your hands clean and off your
face.
>> So can you go to the beach or
the pool safely? Your biggest
risk here is the crowds. It's
clear. Prolonged close contact
with others is what leads to the
spread.
>> And being outdoors is better
because it allows for air
circulation. Studies show
sunlight can inactivate the virus
within minutes. For that reason,
this is a pretty low risk
activity. The same logic applies
to other outdoor activities like
camping or working out, outside.
The fewer people and more space,
the better. Now let's move this
crowd inside. Say you want to get
a haircut or hit the town.
>> The risk here is higher.
Social distancing is possible,
but challenging at a bar or a
nightclub, for example. People
tend to bunch together, talk more
loudly, and that means there's
more force behind the air you
expel, which can carry the virus.
Then there's the issue of masks.
You need to take them off to eat
or drink. For this reason, it's
best to dine out with your close
social circle. Face shields are
essential in a salon, too, so
limit the chatter, get in and out
and stay vigilant on masking.
Now, if you're gathering at
someone's home, keep it small,
outdoors or better and watch out
for surfaces that many people are
touching. Keep sanitizer on hand
and consider keeping it BYOB or
BYO-everything. Venturing
further?
>> Airlines -- many of them --
now require passengers to wear
masks, and they have effective
HEPA filters on planes. But lack
of space makes it hard to
socially distance. Also, you
can't avoid crowds at points like
the security line or the jetway
-- or control what other people
do. Hotels are actually lower
risk, if you limit your time in
public spaces like the lobby or
restaurant, and vacationing in
the same house with another
family can be pretty low risk,
too, especially if, you know
everyone in your group has been
cautious and diligent about
social distancing. Traveling to
visit grandma or elderly
relatives? If you're planning on
staying in their home. Experts
say it's best to isolate in your
social bubble for 10 to 14 days
before the visit or for local
relatives, outdoors is better.
Stay socially distance. We'll
have to save the hugs and kisses
for later.
