How to safely enjoy summer in a COVID-19 world

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: As experts learn more about the novel coronavirus, news and information changes. For the latest on the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While many states are reopening public swimming pools, summer camps, and amusement parks, others are reporting sudden spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases. Even with precautions in place, it’s natural to have concerns about the best ways to keep your family healthy while enjoying summer activities.

“It’s important to realize that just because states are reopening, this doesn’t mean the virus is gone, or any less dangerous for those with compromising conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes,” says Niket Sonpal, MD, a New York–based internist and an adjunct professor at Touro College. “It’s important to be aware of COVID-19 cases in the area where you live or plan to spend time and to practice good hygiene and social distancing, wear masks, and use hand sanitizer.” 

Will the coronavirus survive in the summer?

Viruses typically survive longer in cool, dry environments, according to the CDC. However, there is not enough data to determine whether the novel coronavirus will be affected by the summer heat and humidity. Therefore, social distancing and other safety tips will be important to carry out through the summer.

6 summer safety tips for the COVID-19 pandemic

Here are more ways you can stay safe while moving forward with your summer plans. 

1. Make pool safety a priority 

Swimming pools may pose one of the lower-risk summer activities since the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), say there’s no evidence the coronavirus can be transmitted through water. 

“Chlorine kills the virus, but it can still be spread outside of the water,” says Robert Boughan, MD, family practice physician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. “So even if the pool itself is safe, all the other things surrounding it might not be. Families need to practice social distancing and think about where they’re placing pool chairs and how close they are to others by maintaining a safe distance of at least six feet both in and out of the pool.”

Dr. Boughan says pool operators should also take precautions to ensure safety by:

• Limiting the number of people allowed on the premises in order to facilitate social distancing.
• Taking temperatures to help exclude some people with symptoms (although, not all contagious people have a fever).
• Sanitizing life vests, pool toys, snack trays, chairs, and towels.
• Donning face masks. 

“Wearing face coverings when outside of the pool is important,” Dr. Sonpal adds, “but be careful not to wear them inside the water as wet masks become almost obsolete and make it more difficult to breathe.”

The above steps don’t make visiting a public pool risk-free, but it makes it a little safer for you and your family.

2. Take precautions at summer camp

Attending a day or sleepover camp can be the highlight of summer, but this year, camps are taking extra measures to ensure their campers remain healthy. The American Camp Association (ACA) and the YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) developed a field guide to help camps implement safety recommendations from the CDC.

In addition, Ashanti Woods, MD, pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, says parents should ask about camp policies such as how many campers they plan to have in attendance and specific safety measures. 

“Camps should consider taking the temperature of campers upon check-in and at the end of the day,” Dr. Woods says. “They should also encourage families to alert them if a member of the family tests positive for COVID-19 while camp is in session. If a family member does test positive, that camper should be quarantined at home.”  

3. Plan for safe summer travel 

“Since risk is based on exposure, traveling by car with your family is going to be safer than air or rail travel with a lot of strangers,” Dr. Boughan says. That said, not every family has access to a car, and not every destination can be reached by driving.

Before leaving on a trip, families should plan to pack the following items:

• Hand sanitizers and masks: If you’re traveling by car, you’ll need these when you take breaks to get gas or food—and upon reaching your destination. When traveling via mass transit, they’re even more essential. “Masks with face shields have helped healthcare professionals stay safe, but there will always be a degree of risk when traveling via airplane,” Dr. Sonpal says. 
• Disposable gloves: “These can be a helpful reminder to not touch your face, but parents should go over proper removal methods with their children to avoid coming in contact with germs when removing the gloves,” Dr. Sonpal says. 
• Disinfectant wipes: “When traveling, families should carry disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces such as tables and chairs before meals and seats on airplanes or trains,” Dr. Woods says. The same applies for any pit stops you make when driving.
• Flip-flops: “When staying at a hotel, make sure you practice the same good hygiene precautions and social distancing that you would practice in other public places,” says Dr. Sonpal. “Flip-flops are good for showering, so that you don’t have to place your feet directly on a surface used by other people.”

Dr. Woods adds that it’s important to research the area you’re planning to visit. “Check the news to ensure the area you plan to visit isn’t having a COVID-19 outbreak,” he says. And, if you’re crossing state lines, be sure to check which destinations require you to quarantine upon arrival or return home after vacation. 

RELATED: COVID-19 and travel plans

4. Minimize risk at the beach

“The key to staying healthy at the beach is social distancing,” says Dr. Boughan. Putting your feet in the sand, and feeling an ocean breeze can feel therapeutic. Just be sure to take precautions to limit contact with others while sunbathing, and when entering and leaving the water. Spread your beach blanket at least six feet away from any others, and give people a wide berth when walking down to take a dip. 

“Families shouldn’t set up camp in close proximity to others,” suggests Dr. Boughan. “In addition, many boardwalks and beach town areas have been crowded lately, so when you’re dining out or using public restrooms in a beach town, pay attention to whether others are wearing masks. If you’re wearing a mask but they aren’t, you’re much less protected.” And, don’t forget your sunscreen. Even when part of your face is covered, you’re still susceptible to burns!

5. Know before you go

Before heading out to any summer destination, check the local website and social media pages to see if it’s still open, and if there are any coronavirus-specific rules in place. Many parks have closed to slow the spread of COVID-19, or put mask requirements in place. Often, public bathrooms are not accessible.

Or, if you’re thinking about attending a barbecue, make sure that town regulations allow gatherings of that size. If you’ll be meeting people outside your household, it might be wise to pack your own utensils, snacks, or beverages—depending on the level of risk you’re comfortable with. A little planning ahead can make a get-together a lot safer, and more comfortable.

RELATED: Can I go outside while self-isolating for coronavirus?

6. Err on the side of caution 

After months of being cooped up inside, everyone is itching to get out and enjoy the nice summer weather. Some activities are safer than others. Biking on an empty path is great. Team sports, or using public playground facilities may carry more danger of exposure.

While solo outdoor activities are fairly low risk, it’s important to remember the COVID-19 is still circulating—and it’s spread by proximity to infected people. Since people don’t always know when they have it, it’s not easy to know if you’re near someone who could transmit the virus. If you err on the side of extra caution (and hygiene), you have a better chance of keeping yourself and your family healthy.