As #coronavirus infections started to slow this spring, more people started traveling and attending in-person events such as outdoor concerts. With the #Delta variant causing viral hotspots nationwide, experts told CNBC, the best protection is to get vaccinated. But you should also “mask up” in any situation where you must be in close proximity to others and especially in a confined space. If you attend a big festival or travel, the safest strategy is to quarantine from immune-compromised or elderly relatives and friends and monitor yourself for COVID symptoms for 10–14 days.
Tag: safety tips
Rise in COVID Cases Spurs Renewed Mask Guidance
Cases of the #coronavirus are again increasing due to the #Delta variant, which is estimated to be approximately three times as transmissible as the original COVID strain, NPR says. While surges are biggest where vaccination rates are low, even vaccinated people are being advised to wear masks when in close proximity to others since they can still spread the virus. The available vaccines are extremely effective at preventing viral transmission and serious illness, however, with “breakthrough” infections affecting only about 0.1% of all fully vaccinated people. #COVIDSafety
Keep Pets Safe on Memorial Day Weekend
Traveling with pets this Memorial Day? Keep them safe by keeping them on a leash, securing doors and gates, and making sure they are wearing proper identification and are microchipped, says the Imperial Valley Press. Provide them with plenty of fresh water and shade to fend off dehydration, and apply a pet-friendly flea and tick repellant to their fur when outdoors. Go easy on the table scraps, and set aside a quiet zone where your pet can get away from all of the human hubbub when they need some space and rest. #MemorialDayTips
Never Dispense Gasoline in an Unapproved Container
With the recent cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline and increasing numbers of cars on the road, gas prices are likely to be higher this Memorial Day weekend. But stations on the East Coast that experienced temporary shortages should now have supplies sufficient for travelers, so don’t start filling plastic bags and laundry hampers with gasoline. Gas can quickly eat through unapproved containers and spill into the surrounding area, The Drive says; then one spark is all it takes to create an explosion and fire. #MemorialDayTips
Keeping the Spring Travel Bug at Bay
It has now been a full year since #lockdowns against the novel #coronavirus went into effect worldwide, shutting down in-person gatherings such as concerts, conventions, school and sporting events. People canceled their trips due to travel restrictions, and most haven’t boarded a plane since.
A year later, the prospect of taking a pleasure trip has improved. With three COVID-19 vaccines being administered nationwide, many of the most vulnerable segments of the population are starting to get some protection against the disease. But we’re not out of the woods yet, and you may still want to hold off on planning that jaunt.
Spring fever, of course, is an affliction that worsens with the rising temperatures. You probably want to go out and do something — anything — that involves fresh air, sun, scenery and social interactions. For the next few months, however, the safest bet is to get creative while breaking the routine.
One safe way to shake up the routine is to take a “staycation,” Everyday Health says. Just set aside time to create your own spa experience, meditate or explore parts of your own hometown on foot. You can also try bring one of your dream destinations home for a night; if you can’t go to Italy, for example, make some fresh pasta and cue up a Fellini film.
If you absolutely must get out of town to preserve your sanity, consider taking a camping trip with the people in your family or “pod,” says the Washington Post. If you observe masking and social distancing rules with anyone unfamiliar, camping is one of the safest ways to enjoy the outdoors while avoiding the spread of the virus.
One thing the Organizing Blog advises doing in the spring is a thorough #cleaning and #decluttering. Throw open the windows and enjoy the fresh air as you scour; once you sort out extra stuff you don’t need and #donate it to ClothingDonations.org, your home will be much more livable.
One more way to keep the travel bug at bay is to plan your dream trip(s) for the future. Experts say that domestic travel could return to normal once most people are vaccinated, and that is currently targeted to happen by the start of summer. International travel may have to wait a while longer, depending on the destination.
When you decide to travel again, you’ll have that much more pent-up anticipation for your trip — and maybe enjoy it more thoroughly as a result. But wherever you go, stay safe: Wear a mask, wash your hands and observe social distancing. Travel is fantastic food for the soul, but you don’t want to gamble with your health.