The summer is in full swing amid the global pandemic. It raises the question of how summer activities should be handled and how we can stay safe. None of these activities come without risk, but this does not mean that you cannot take part in summer fun.
The physicians at Family Care Centers Medical Group advise safety precautions and prevention tips for summer activities amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no proof that the coronavirus can spread through the water, so you may think that going to beaches and swimming pools is safe. However, going to these places still carries risk depending on the environment outside.
Playing in the water is not a risk, but you may be near to others, which increases the risk of cross-infection, and the risk can be high if you do not wear a face mask. Waiting in a queue to get into the beach area, a crowded pool deck, changing in the room where there are many people around, and waiting at a crowded public restroom also increase the risk of infection.
You should avoid going to the swimming pool or beach on weekends or any time it is crowded. If you must go, consider going on weekdays. Whether you go to the beach or pool, make sure you stay at a minimum of 6 feet away from others to avoid contracting the virus.
Taking public transportation, where people are in close contact with others, is extremely risky. The CDC also advises to cancel or postpone all non-essential travel. Avoid public transportation and consider traveling by car to reduce the risk of cross-infection.
If traveling is essential, travelers should isolate themselves for 2 weeks beforehand and make sure to practice social distancing and wear a face mask when traveling. If you can, try to sit far away from others. Most airlines are making every possible effort to minimize the transmission of infection but they cannot guarantee your safety.
Generally, compared to indoor activities, outdoor activities carry less risk, as the increased airflow minimizes your chance of contracting the virus. However, close-contact sporting events and group hiking are still considered risky, as they bring people together for an extended duration.
Being exposed to other people for more than 10 minutes can increase the risk of infection, and you need to avoid this if at all possible. You can minimize the risk of contracting the virus if you maintain a safe distance from others and wear a face mask when hiking or playing.
Consider playing sports like tennis and golf, as it is easier to avoid close contact and maintain a 6-feet distance from other players.
When it comes to outdoor dining and backyard barbecues, consider gathering with only a small group of people to minimize the risk.
If you must attend a gathering, determine all the possible scenarios of physical interaction with others and avoid them to minimize the risk. Make sure you follow all safety precautions, including practicing good hand hygiene, wearing a face mask, and maintaining a 6-feet distance from other people at a gathering. If other guests are not wearing face masks, you may want to reconsider attendance.
Most of the summer camps are temporarily shut down due to the pandemic, and the few camps that have begun reopening only allow limited children to contain the spread of the virus. However, the risk of infection can be high, and it is also difficult to maintain social distancing in summer camps, where group activities are encouraged. In this environment, summer camps are probably not a good idea.
Children are exposed to other kids and families in the summer camp, so the risk of cross-infection is high. Also, when the children return, they can infect others in your home. You need to carefully consider whether to send your children to summer camp, especially if you have grandparents living in your home. Perhaps consider sending your kids to virtual summer camps, where they can enjoy activities while still being at home.
Consider these alternative summer camp ideas to keep your children engaged and entertained while keeping them safe at home.
Remember that many coronavirus cases are asymptomatic, so you need to be extra careful while enjoying summer activities amid COVID-19.
If you want to learn more about COVID-19 or schedule an appointment for urgent and primary health conditions, contact us at a location near you. You can also receive medical assistance from the safety of your home by connecting with our providers via telehealth video visits.
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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