March 13, 2020. Macy's 53rd annual holiday window theme will honor first responders and essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic as a "thank you," a press release said. Due to the lack of control you have in any environment outside your own home, the exact risk level is largely dependent on individual circumstances, like if your community has high infection rates. Do sensory grounding activities. If you eat outside at a restaurant you should still practice social distancing and cover your face when you are not eating. The less frequently you expose yourself to risky situations, the less likely you are to contract the virus. 2 Minute Read. First, being inside and around others puts you at risk of exposure to people carrying the virus. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Looking for safe things to do during the coronavirus pandemic? Check our what’s open page for more details. If you can bring a seat cover, that is even better. Check here for the latest on Chicago museums open now and opening soon. If you have friends over at your home, be sure to ask everyone to wear a mask and limit the number of people so you can remain properly spaced apart. Some outdoor dining areas have plexiglass or plastic dividers in between tables, which is even better. "When you're sitting on a plane waiting for it to take off, there is no air movement. Check out all open tours and attractions: All Chicago parks (except all beaches and parks east of Lake Shore Drive) are open to enjoy: Both essential and non-essential retail are open. Indoor dining is allowed at establishments that serve food and is limited to 25 people or 25% capacity per room. Sometimes for me that’s as simple as running my hands under hot water. Social distancing and face coverings are required whenever possible. It's better to choose a store that limits the capacity and where you know you will feel more safe. It's much better to visit with friends or family in an outdoor setting than inside. Play free games featuring Elmo, Daniel Tiger and more at pbskids.org. I've seen some city parks that have paint on the grass to help distance people, but they need to follow those rules," Kesh says. Let's face it -- much of the country is seeing a huge uptick in virus cases -- so you could be at more risk now than at the beginning of the pandemic, even though everything was shut down then.Â. When you're outside, fresh air is constantly moving, dispersing these droplets. According to Kesh, it's among one of the riskiest situations to put yourself in when it comes to exposure to COVID-19.Â. But be sure to wear a mask when you can't maintain distance from others. "Outdoors viral particles and droplets disperse in open air much more quickly. I know my typical color and cut appointment takes upwards of two hours, which is a long time to be around other people in a hair salon and in close proximity to a stylist.Â. All restaurants and bars are currently closed from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day until further notice. Flying is considered one of the highest risk activities you can do during COVID-19. These activities are based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, as well as expert insight from infectious disease expert and MD Dr. Sandra Kesh. There are ways of making the best out of any situation, Eating inside is risky for several reasons -- including the fact that diners need to remove face masks to eat. ; Most public gatherings are currently cancelled until further notice. As of Thursday, about 7,700 people have become ill and 170 have died since the coronavirus was first detected last month in Wuhan, China, according to The Associated Press. Bars are fairly high-risk environments when it comes to COVID-19. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. 1. 2. You can call beforehand and see if they are limiting people in the gym or ask how full it is before you go. So that's the situation where I would be more worried," Dr Kesh says.Â. And if your kids are anything like mine, they need to be entertained 24/7. Walk in nature. No cases outside … Choose less crowded stores and go at off hours, like a Tuesday night at 7 p.m. versus a Saturday morning at 10 a.m. You should also check if the store is taking extra measures, like placing plexiglass or plastic barriers between you and the cashier, wiping down grocery carts after every use, or taking other measures to encourage social distancing, like by marking six-foot distances on the floor in lines. "With most of these activities there is relative risk and it depends largely on two things: the environment and what you do in that environment. All Chicago parks, including the Lakefront Trail and lakefront parks west of Lake Shore Drive, are now open. The Lakefront Trail is open for exercise and transit (walking, running, biking, etc.) Gavin Newsom issued a stay-at-home order for the state of California amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. Personal services (e.g. As COVID-19 social distancing and self quarantining continue, some of us may be going stir crazy not able to go and do the things we’re used to. The next best choice is dining outside. But a lot of the transmission we are seeing, maybe even up to 40%, is happening in the presymptomatic or asymptomatic people -- and those are the people who look fine, feel fine and may be working out and they may be able to spread it. If you have a circle of friends who you know are responsible with social distancing and avoid going out and being in groups, then you are safer than if you invite your friend over who went to a bar the past weekend.Â, Health authorities, like the CDC, encourage you to limit seeing friends indoors as much as possible. Chicago museums and cultural institutions are reopening with limited capacity beginning Jan. 18, 2021. Learn more about what’s open in Chicago below. These are the riskiest and safest things to do right now, according to an MD and the CDC. getting groceries or having food delivered, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Gyms were some of the first businesses to reopen. The other risk factor is hygiene -- when is the last time you went to a super clean bar? These quarantine ideas and fun activities for kids stuck at home will help you all avoid cabin fever. Indoor capacity is limited to allow for social distancing. You may also encounter many people on the way to and from the park, which you should take into consideration. But according to Kesh, bars are considered high-risk when it comes to your chance of contracting the virus. Here are 100 things to do during the quarantine. People are always worried about making their flight, going to the security checks -- there's a lot of distraction. Experience a sound bath outside to double down on relaxation. If they have an air conditioner or fan, that should be on," Kesh says. hair/nail salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors), Public transit, regional transit, taxis and rideshare, Office-based jobs, professional services, and real estate services, Hospitals, dentists, and community mental health centers, Social gatherings are temporarily limited to 25 people or 25% room capacity (whichever is less) for both indoors and outdoors, Outdoor dining, carryout, and delivery are allowed at restaurants/bars. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. Gyms are not the ideal place to be since people breathe hard and exhale forcefully, making it easier to spread the virus. You should wear your own mask as much as possible, especially when talking or waiting for your food.Â. If you can't do that, then you should be outside and not indoors. When you need a change of scenery, but aren’t feeling a more intense workout, going for a walk is going to come in clutch. "Some people will say if you feel well enough to go to the gym, then you won't be affected. So even people who are well meaning, the rules tend to go by the wayside," Kesh says. Take a hike: Simple outdoor activities are no-brainers when it comes to … Open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, delivery, Last updated on January 23, 2021 by Choose Chicago. Things to do outside in Tampa Bay while maintaining a safe social distance With great weather and all the attractions closed amid the coronavirus pandemic, here’s what you can still do… However, in order to be served, diners must order at least one food item if they want to order a drink as well. The other problem with airports is that you can encounter people from all over the world or country and those people could be coming from high-risk places and carrying the virus with them.Â, Once you are on the plane, it's almost impossible to stay six feet apart from others, even if no one is sitting near you. with safe social distancing. Advanced ticketing/reservations are encouraged whenever possible. ", Be sure to sit at tables that are well spaced apart. Whether you dine inside or outside, you should make sure that the area is not crowded.Â. The list is divided by things you can do outside and online. All lakefront parks west of Lake Shore Drive are opened to the public, including Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Burnham Park, Harold Washington Park, and Jackson Park, as well as the Jackson Park Golf Course and Diversey Driving Range. Getting together with friends inside depends again on the number of people, how well you know them and the amount of exposure they've had leading up to coming into contact with you. Make this simple DIY ball ramp game. Going to a park is a lower-risk activity since it is outdoors and ideally, you have more space between you and others. She also recommends checking that the gym has good air conditioning and is taking other measures to ensure good air flow and safety.Â. It's much easier to spread the virus inside since people are likely gathered closer together, talking and touching surfaces like doors, tables, chairs and more. COVID-19: How to Stay Safe During Outdoor Activities. Many national, state and local parks have remained opened during the coronavirus outbreak.. New York City Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver … Grocery shopping can be relatively safe if you are careful and avoid crowded stores. If you are immunocompromised for example, or live with someone who is, then you probably want to steer clear from anything on the list below that is considered higher risk.Â, It's better to do as few medium to high risk activities as possible. If you go to the bathroom on the plane, be sure to wash your hands and use hand sanitizer when you touch anything that others could touch.Â. Our publisher, Debra Ross, says, "Some of the best parenting advice I ever received was: 'When it rains, play in the rain.' Coronavirus is still a thing.  "I count parks as low risk environments as long as you are wearing masks and keeping that six-foot rule. Check out the latest hotel special offers for deals and discounts. I won’t be doing that, because meditation isn’t for me, but I know it really helps others. For now, drinking at home or outdoors is best. Chicago’s tours and outdoor attractions are open to enjoy with new safety and social distancing practices. Coronavirus: What to know about the coronavirus vaccine rollout in D.C., Maryland and Virginia Weather: Showers by late afternoon or evening, … Bring something comfy to lie or sit on and then … For example, the CDC recommends keeping a … Learn how to meditate. Chicago’s museums, restaurants, parks, and more are currently open with new safety precautions, limited capacities, and contactless entry options. "People need to be much more spaced out and there needs to be good air ventilation and good air conditioning. You should also be sure to wipe down any and all equipment before and after you touch it and avoid using shared items that are hard to clean after each use, like a resistance band for example. 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