5 minute read
Stay safe when visiting reopened parks
Physical activity is good for both the body and mind. As the world confronted the fallout of the COVID19 outbreak, many people struggled to cope with the stress sparked by stay-at-home measures, school closures and job loss. Perhaps that’s why the reopening of parks was met with such joy, as people now had access to the great outdoors at a point when that access could be incredibly beneficial. Visiting reopened parks while social distancing is not the same as it’s been in the past, and nature enthusiasts may want to consider these dos and don’ts, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to ensure their visits are safe and enjoyable.
DO stay close to home.
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The CDC warns that traveling long distances to visit a
park may contribute to the spread of COVID-19. That’s because long trips require stops along the way, which exposes travelers to potentially contaminated surfaces.
DON’T visit parks if you’re sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19.
Whether you’re sick with COVID-19 or simply not feeling well, stay home. Visit the CDC website (www.cdc.gov) for a list of COVID-19 symptoms if you suspect you have the virus or have had it in the last 14 days.
DO expect limitations on
visitors. While parks have reopened, many areas have established restrictions on the number of people allowed in the park at a given time. As a result, some visitors have been turned away or asked to wait in a queue until other visitors leave. Preparing for this outcome in advance can make it less frustrating to deal with.
DON’T use playgrounds.
Children may be anxious to ride on swings or climb all over jungle gyms, but the CDC continues to advise against using playgrounds. Playgrounds tend to be
crowded and, as a result, they can be challenging to keep clean. In addition, young children likely won’t remember to avoid touching their faces, noses, eyes, or mouths while playing, which makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19.
DO exercise caution in
swimming pools. The CDC notes that the chlorine and bromine in pools should kill COVID-19, but warns that it’s still imperative to practice social distancing when swimming in public pools. Clean hands thoroughly before entering and after exiting the pool, and make sure each swimmer takes a shower immediately upon arriving home.
DON’T participate in
organized sports. The CDC is still advising people to avoid organized sports like basketball, baseball, soccer, and football. These sports typically require participation of people who do not live in the same households, increasing the chances of spreading the COVID-19 virus. Diligence and caution can help everyone safely enjoy reopened parks.
1) With COVID-19, is it safe to send our kids back to school?
- No. For me as a medical provider to answer this appropriately, I would need to know that schools are taking the proper measures in mitigating COVID19. For your child to be as safe as possible, it is best that they are socially distanced while in the classroom and that they are wearing a face covering and practicing frequent hand hygiene. In the best of situations, this is going to be difficult for the teacher to manage in the younger age groups. Teachers need support of the parents to properly prepare their child for what is expected while in the classroom.
2) Is COVID-19 like the flu? If not, how does it differ from the flu?
- The flu and coronavirus belong to different virus families; however, they both cause contagious respiratory illnesses. We currently have a vaccine for the flu but have still not developed one for COVID-19. At this point, flu is seasonal. It is too early to determine if coronavirus has a seasonal preference.
3) How important is it to wear face coverings?
- It is very important to wear the proper face covering to minimize the spread from one person to another, especially when other socially distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
4) How has COVID-19 affected hospitals in the High Desert?
- Unlike the east coast and other major metropolitan areas, the High Desert experienced a surge in positive COVID19 patients requiring hospitalization toward the middle of June and continuing to date. This has stressed the healthcare system here in the High Desert, especially the critical care units where many of these patients have required mechanical ventilation. This has made it imperative that the High Desert healthcare system collaborate closely with the community to get through these unprecedented times — especially with the unfortunate restrictions in the visitation of loved ones who are hospitalized.
5) How soon will we have an effective vaccine for COVID-19?
- Most often it takes many years to develop a vaccine. However, there are numerous resources across the globe urgently attempting to develop an effective vaccine. The goal for a safe and effective vaccine would induce an antibody response in the body that lasts several months if not a year or a lifetime while at the same time having minimal negative side effects.
6) Can you talk a little about community immunity?
- COVID-19 researchers have suggested that approximately 70 percent of the population would need to be infected or vaccinated before reaching the point of community immunity. Once community immunity is achieved, the virus can no longer spread widely among the people.
7) I hear a lot about social distancing, handwashing and face coverings. Are these effective?
- Absolutely. These are the three simplest and most effective ways to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
8) Am I safe to fly in a plane?
- Yes, as long as you are following the guidelines of wearing a face covering, hand washing and social distancing. Airplane air is usually circulated using the same filters used in an ICU, which helps filter any airborne viruses.
9) Which individual are most affected by COVID-19 in the High Desert?
- Those who are most affected are men and those suffering from diabetes mellitus, asthma, and obesity.
Authored by
J. Luis Noronha, MD
Chief of Staff I Desert Valley Hospital
