Considerations for a Safe Summer During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Just one person's actions can help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Is it safe to go swimming?

We don’t believe the virus can spread very easily through the water, whether it is salt water or chlorinated, swimming pool water. The virus isn’t going to move across the water from one person to another. The risk, however, is getting too close to others while in the pool. That’s the same risk as if you are not in a pool; COVID-19 spreads easiest by breathing, speaking, coughing, singing, or laughing when in close proximity to another person, whether in or out of the pool.

What about going to summer camps or large get-togethers like family barbecues?

Camping, fishing, and barbecuing are all low-risk activities. Families should get outside. To be safe, identify who is in your close group — know who they are because that contributes to your exposure risk. And, if there are members of your close group who are at a higher risk, such as over 65 or who have underlying health conditions.

What is riskier, are the things you have to do to get to the campsite or the fishing site. This includes stopping at a gas station or going shopping for supplies. This is where you really need to take the precautions:

1. Wear masks

2. Use hand sanitizer

3. Keep your distance from others

96 percent of today’s reported cases are associated with community spread, rather than congregate settings.

43 percent of today’s cases are from people 29 years old or younger.

It’s on all of us to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. #lagov #lalege https://t.co/LbaBFwjOpu

— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) June 28, 2020

Are there any activities that people should avoid altogether?

You should avoid anything that involves a crowd. When you are really close to others, your or someone else’s respiratory droplets can spread the virus. The same distance requirements apply whether indoors or outside.

What other considerations are important?

You should always try to decrease your risks. If the restaurant offers outdoor seating, use that option because eating outside is safer. You should also judge the establishment to get a sense as to how seriously they take these precautions. If you see a bunch of people crowding around one another, that’s not a place you want to go to. It’s not worth the risk.