Following a long shutdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak, states and local communities have begun reopening. As we enter the summer season, the reopening has brought the prospect of large gatherings at pools, beaches, playgrounds, and local marketplaces, along with the potential to contribute to a surge in cases.
The physicians at Family Care Centers advise continued caution as we try to move forward and urge the local Orange County communities to realize that COVID-19 risk is still high.
There are some unsubstantiated theories that coronavirus viability is reduced with increased temperatures and humidity. This has led many to return to unsafe behaviors, such as gathering in large crowds, not using face masks in public places, etc.
We should not let ourselves be lulled into a false sense of security that this virus will slow down during the summer. The spread did not slow in countries near the equator, and those places are hotter and more humid than California.
Although there is some initial research hinting of a warm weather slowdown, scientists are still waiting for more data and have made it clear[1] that it may take at least a few more months to reach any consensus about the virus’ behavior in summer.
While most people are aware of the risks of gathering in large crowds, there’s still high attendance at places like beaches, pools, and water parks. However, the likelihood of COVID-19 being spread through water is low. According to the CDC, “There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds.”[2]
While it’s unlikely that you may contract the virus from water, that doesn’t mean that there is no risk of going to the pool or beach. The chances of spread through physical touch and respiratory droplets still remains high. Adults older than 65 and those with underlying health conditions should stay cautious and avoid going to crowded places.[3]
Adults with underlying conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and chronic respiratory or lung disease, are at highest risk and they should avoid close contact in any type of gatherings. For the high-risk population, effectively taking care of their primary medical problems, continuing to exercise indoors, staying away from sick people, and practicing physical distancing in public places are their best chance at avoiding COVID-19 effectively.
Related Blog: How Coronavirus Will Impact Summer Activities for OC Residents
Parents are faced with challenges of being creative and keeping their kids entertained during the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person summer camps are still an option but be sure to abide by safety and cleaning protocols as well as consider changing your usual spots and choosing a less crowded place. Another option could be virtual summer camps where kids can still enjoy the activities and social interactions from the safety of their home. Furthermore, you can set aside time to spend with your kids and enjoy family activities, such as playing games, biking, or even camping in your backyard.
As states and local communities reopen, you may have your own reasons to go out and enjoy the summer. However, it's wise to consider certain variables for a family outing. The place you'd visit, the number of persons present, the available space for practicing physical distancing, and the amount of time you may be exposed to the virus are the key factors that should shape how your family ventures out.
The advantages of choosing outdoor over indoor activities are that the circulating air currents rapidly disperse the virus and there’s more elbow room to keep 6 feet or more apart. It's much easier to keep viral particles distant out of doors.
The main way the coronavirus spreads from one person to another is through respiratory droplets. That's why it's still important to use face masks to cover your nose and mouth. Pay attention to the infection rate in your local area to make further decisions on how to enjoy the summer.
Contact us at a location near you for more information about COVID-19 or to schedule a medical visit for urgent and primary health conditions. You can also connect with our providers via telehealth video visits to receive immediate medical assistance from the safety of your home.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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