Whether we like it or not, coronavirus has changed the way our world works. Despite these changes, summertime is all about beaches, boardwalk bites and feeling the sand between your toes — so bring on the sunshine!
Now, before we dive in, a little disclaimer: We at the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC are in strong support of following the rules the CDC has outlined (thanks to some of the smartest scientists in our country). We believe there is a safe and cautious way to enjoy the beach while remaining healthy and illness-free. Now that we got that out of the way, let’s get right into how to do a beach trip the smart way!
Friendly Reminder: You should be wearing sunscreen every single day. Don’t know why? Well, luckily, we’ve got your back…pun intended. Read more: Why You Should Wear Sunscreen Daily
Why the Beach Will Be A Popular Summer Destination
We’re already seeing a ton of people flocking to national parks (road-trip to Yosemite, anyone?), biking/hiking trails, campsites etc., so it’s no surprise the beach is on the list of current most popular destinations. This year you will likely see even more traffic than usual at our favorite beaches since people are feeling extreme cabin-fever after 4 months of quarantine. At the end of the day, we are all looking for fun activities we can do outdoors so we can have a good time while distancing, getting fresh air as well as changing our scenery!
Here are our recommendations of how to go to the beach safely in 2020:
Determine Risk
Before you even consider going to the beach, it’s a good idea to determine what your own personal risk level is if you are exposed to COVID-19. If exposed, are you concerned about complications or even hospitalization? If so, stay home — it’s not worth it. Be sure to apply the same risk assessment for whoever you are going with. It is important to be very honest with yourself when making these assessments because it could be the difference between life and death.
Location, Location, Location
This one seems like a no-brainer, but, if possible, pick a beach that doesn’t look like Tyson’s Corner Mall during Black Friday. We recommend a local beach or lake for an overall more low-key vibe. This will make distancing and preventing unwanted engagements easier. It’s also important to recognize that some beaches have visitors from many different states, which could introduce higher risk to you and your family or friends.
Pack Everything You Need
We recommend preparing well before hopping into the car for a day at the shore. This means packing masks, hand sanitizer, snacks, food, water, disposable utensils, towels, folding chairs, etc. If you’re well prepared, you can more easily avoid interacting with or getting close to others for these supplies.
I mean, think about it — do you want to wait in line for a hotdog with 10 people ahead of you, 10 people behind you and 30 people walking past you?
Your Mask is VITAL
Masks have been shown to be extremely effective at mitigating COVID-19, which means you should not be going to any public destination without a mask on hand. It’s a good idea to slip your mask on once you exit your vehicle until you find an isolated or distanced area on the beach, when using the restroom and if others come too close to you. Alongside wearing a mask, keep at least 6 feet away from others. For most adults, 6 feet is a tad farther than two of your arm-span (if you held your arm out right in front of you).
We hope this guide helps you feel more at ease when planning a trip to the beach. Remember, if at any point you feel that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, self-quarantine and get tested as soon as you can. We wish you good health and safe travels!
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