Going out? CDC shares new guidelines to keep you safe

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released updated guidelines on the coronavirus disease as more states in the country begin to open back up.

It’s important to remember that these are guidelines, and there is no way to ensure no risk for infection. That being said, following some simple steps can greatly reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. In other cases, these guidelines might be reason for you to stay in and continue practicing strict social distancing – that’s OK, too. It’s your choice and your health. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

With summer upon us in Delaware and especially coastal Sussex County, we spend more time outside, enjoying our beaches, parks, and boardwalks. Enjoying these activities is just as important to our physical health as it is mental health – but staying safe should remain your greatest objective.

The new CDC guidelines focus on three pillars: How many people? Can you keep six feet of space? How long you will be interacting?

It may seem like the same message as previous months, but when you enter a comfortable space you’re used to being in, you may relax and forget some of these important rules that are very much part of our new normal.

Any time you interact with a large group of people without wearing face coverings or staying six feet apart, you raise your risk. It is still not fully understood how often those with the virus and without symptoms can transmit to others, according to the CDC.

Indoor spaces with less ventilation can cause a greater risk than outdoors, but the same guidelines apply. The farther you can distance in an open space, the lower the risk.

The longer you are with people not only raises the risk of you getting infected, but it also increases your company’s chance as well.

Many businesses are going to great lengths to assist all of us as we venture out. There are clearly marked entrances and exits, contactless payments and pickups, and other physically distanced methods.

Beebe Healthcare campuses and offices have gone through many detailed changes to keep you safe when you need healthcare. It’s been highly reported that people are not seeking emergency care due to the fear of contracting COVID-19. Please know we have infection-prevention methods in place to keep you safe.

It’s important to know the CDC advises following your local health department’s guidelines, as each area’s situation may be a little different. The Division of Public Health and Beebe have partnered throughout the pandemic. The weekly governor’s news conferences with Gov. John Carney and Dr. Karyl Rattay are extremely informational about the latest health notices within the state. They’ve recently discussed youth sports, pools and school guidelines as we continue the recovery process.

Always remember to practice good hand hygiene, wear a mask to protect others, and minimize touching your face (especially eyes, nose, and mouth). It is important to know your own health in order to assess your risk when making decisions about activities.

With some research, extra caution, and additional safety measures, we can enjoy our hobbies, favorite restaurants, and local shops this summer.