By Christyn Pettway
As the weather gets warmer and the end of classes feels within reach, many college students are already preparing for this summer. Stuck indoors the majority of this year because of the pandemic, many want this summer to be the summer where they get to do everything they couldn’t do this past year — especially with many places opening up again. But just because things are opening up again doesn’t mean that outside is completely safe. The virus is very much still here! It’s important to stay as safe as possible this summer if you plan on going out. Below are a few ways to have a COVID-safe summer.
Stay masked up
The summer has some pretty hot days, but wearing masks should still be mandatory this summer, especially if you plan on being outside a lot. Many people have allergies around this time; you wouldn’t want to risk someone sneezing around you without a mask. What’s more important, being a little sweatier or your health?
Stay away from large crowds
Keep up with social distancing! Many people risked going on vacations for spring break, and it caused cases to increase in those areas. The virus isn’t a thing you can see and avoid. Being in large crowds, whether masked or unmasked, can increase your chances of getting the virus. Mara Francois just recently came back from her spring break trip, COVID free.
“I know it probably wasn’t the best idea going away right now, but it was just me and a group of friends. I wasn’t trying to be around all those people when I don’t know what they have,” said Francois.
Avoid traveling
Like Francois, if you do find yourself traveling, make sure to follow the steps above. However, if you can avoid traveling, do so! Traveling automatically presents a risk when your form of transportation is anything other than your car. Planes especially are dangerous right now as thousands of people are walking through airports and on planes from places with higher cases than from where you’re from. It’s recommended that if you are traveling by plane, double mask up and even wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from coming in contact with the virus.
Vaccination
A lot of people have been getting vaccinated as a way to protect themselves from the virus. Being vaccinated makes your chances of getting COVID very rare. Tiana Pedroso, a natural hair & skin business owner, says she plans on getting vaccinated herself.
“I plan on being out as much as I can this summer. I’m not trying to have to worry about the virus,” said Pedroso.
The vaccination isn’t mandatory, but many see it as necessary, especially for essential workers. Still, being vaccinated does not prevent people you come in contact with from getting COVID, so it’s important to still follow the steps above.
Make the best of the situation we’re in
It’s understandable how many people are tired of feeling trapped indoors and away from family and friends because of the virus. However, the virus won’t be around forever. This summer, if you’re going to see friends make sure you do it safely! Small groups of people that are social distancing is a way to make the best of the situation we’re in and will help decrease cases!
APN 