With the COVID-19 pandemic still going strong, the outdoors appears to be the most safe location to be according to the Centers for Illness Control (CDC). Nevertheless, with more people flocking outside for outside activities, is it even safe to camp?
The CDC states “staying physically active is among the very best methods to keep your mind and body healthy.” The company is encouraging individuals to visit parks and camp, but with some standard guidelines. You will need to continue to practice great individual health and keep social distancing.
Dr. Stephen Loyd, M.D., chief medical officer at JourneyPure, agrees with the CDC suggestion. “If you’re prepared to take the correct preventative measures to keep yourself and others safe, camping is in fact a terrific idea right now,” says Dr. Loyd. He continues, “A great deal of people have actually been stuck inside or are struggling with anxiety or depression due to the pandemic, and going out in nature may be the treatment that you require. Hanging out in nature is fantastic for your body and mind as it’s understood to increase resistance and combat anxiety/depression.”
Robert Gomez, epidemiologist and public health and COVID-19 advisor at Parenting Pod, also concurs that outdoor camping is safe as long as you follow the CDC’s guidelines. Follow these suggestions to camp securely this year:
Stay regional
“Try to camp at a local camping site to reduce your risk of being exposed to the COVID-19 virus,” recommend Gomez, “Camping at a local camping area gets rid of the need for non-essential travel outside your neighborhood.”
The CDC also recommends that you check with the campground in advance to learn if the restroom centers are open and what services are available. This will help you prepare what you need ahead of time and avoid unanticipated surprises.
Avoid busy times
Campgrounds are constantly busier in the summertime and vacation weekends. However, they are generally quieter during the week. “Outdoor camping during a hectic time can put you at risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the fact that you will be exposing yourself to other individuals who might potentially have the illness and not have any signs,” alerts Gomez.
Travel with family just
Gomez says that camping with just your member of the family decreases the threat of direct exposure to other individuals who might be ill but not be showing any symptoms. “As we continue to learn more about the method SARS-CoV-2 spreads, we understand that you’re at the highest danger when in close contact with other people as it spreads easily by means of air droplets from coughing or sneezing,” Dr. Loyd includes, “That’s why you ought to keep your group little, travel with individuals in your household.”
Learn more: Finest flashlights for 2020: Rayovac, ThruNite, Olight and more
— > Keep your range from individuals outside your family, even while outdoor camping. Getty Images
Maintain social distancing
Yes, even in the outdoors you require to stay at least 6 feet far from people you don’t cope with. “Not maintaining social distancing puts you at risk of remaining in close proximity to somebody who may have the illness and not understand they have it,” says Gomez. And, as the CDC suggests, if you can not keep that distance, wear a mask. “Face coverings are most necessary in times when social distancing is hard,” says the CDC.
Wash your hands
You’re most likely burning out of hearing this advice, however good health is absolutely needed with it comes to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and other germs. The very same chooses when you are taking a trip to the campground. “When you stop at gas stations, use your mask, practice social distancing and clean your hands like you would when going to the grocery store,” suggests Dr. Loyd.
“Not washing hands can put you at threat of having COVID-19 germs on your hands, which you might have gotten from things you have actually touched,” discusses Gomez, “Your threat of contracting COVID-19 increases by the truth that all of us tend to touch our face without observing it.”
Stock up
Although a lot of campgrounds are following the advised CDC standards for cleaning facilities, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You never ever understand when and how typically the centers were cleaned and how well they were cleaned. “If you’re taking a trip to a camp, it is very important to be stockpiled on masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and hand soap,” states Dr. Loyd, “As soon as you get to the camping site, remember that people might be traveling there from all over – so you do not understand who or what they have actually been exposed to.”
Learn more: The best locations to purchase hand sanitizer online
In general, camping can be an activity you can enjoy during the coronavirus pandemic as long as you follow the CDC’s guidelines. “If you’re keeping your range, using a mask, and practicing good hygiene, camping is a fairly low-risk activity today,” says Dr. Loyd, “Nevertheless, if you do begin developing signs or somebody else in your group does, it is essential to isolate the symptomatic person right away and call any other campers that you may have can be found in contact with.”
And if you’re still not completely sure about it, you can always camp in your backyard.
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Specialist pointers on how to camp throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
