Tips for Every Occasion: Staying Safe During COVID-19

As our families are getting used to the new normal this summer, you’re probably wondering what activities are safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some tips to stay safe and slow the spread of this virus while enjoying your summer.

Staying Safe While Dining Out

• Call ahead and ask about the restaurant’s face mask policy for staff and patrons.
• Dine al fresco, weather permitting.
• Wear a face mask as much as possible when not eating or drinking.
• Maintain a distance of 6 feet from other diners.
• Bring hand sanitizers and wash your hands before and after your meal.
• Stay home if you are feeling sick.

Staying Safe While Going to the Beach or Public Pool

• Stay 6 feet away from others.
• Wear a face mask when not in the water.
• Wash hands often or bring hand sanitizer.

Staying Safe While Running Errands

• Stay home if you are feeling sick.
• Consider using online services for either pickup or delivery (ask that your delivery be left outside to avoid contact).
• Wear a face mask.
• Disinfect the shopping cart.
• Observe physical distancing when in line or walking through the store.
• Use touchless payment or sanitize your hands after using the keypad.
• Use hand sanitizer when you leave and wash your hands when you get home.

Staying Safe While Using Public Transportation

• Avoid touching surfaces and disinfect those that you do need to touch or sanitize hands after.
• Wear a face mask.
• Use touchless payment options.
• Observe physical distancing of 6 feet.
• Travel in off-peak hours, when possible.
• For ride share, ask the driver to improve ventilation by lowering windows or setting the A/C in non-recirculation mode.
• Stay home if you are sick.

Staying Safe While Headed to the Gym

• Use options for online reservations and check-in systems.
• Make sure the facility has implemented additional safety practices like enhanced cleanings, plexiglass barriers, staff masking, and closure of shared spaces such as locker rooms.
• If attending a group fitness class, consider an outdoor option. If inside, maintain physical distancing and use a face mask if working out indoors.
• Ensure shared equipment is being properly cleaned.
• Avoid any contact sports or activities.
• Sanitize hands often and wash thoroughly for 20 seconds before leaving and when you return home.
• Stay home if you are sick.

Staying Safe While Going to the Salon

• Make a reservation to avoid waiting with others.
• Ensure that salon staff are observing safe behaviors such as face masking, physical distancing, and enhanced cleanings.
• Wear a face mask.
• Wash hands and bring sanitizer to clean hands after touching surfaces.
• Use contactless payment options.
• Stay home if you are sick.

Staying Safe While Going to the Park or on a Hike

• Check in advance what facilities are open in the park (restrooms, trails, etc.).
• Avoid crowded trails and parks.
• Maintain physical distancing.
• Wear a face mask.
• Avoid having children play on crowded playgrounds.Avoid having children play on crowded playgrounds.
• Sanitize hands after touching surfaces and wash thoroughly when you get home.

Whenever you go into public, be sure to keep these tips in mind. And remember, if you’re ever feeling under the weather, staying home is always the best bet. Our doctors at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group now offer virtual visits, so you can be seen quickly from the comfort of your own home. For more information about COVID-19 and resources about what to do if you think you have this virus, take a look at our Information Hub to learn more.