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Enjoying Autumn During COVID-19
It’s time to say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn! This season is usually jam-packed with fun activities and gatherings. Although COVID-19 has changed the look of the entire year, that doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to enjoy autumn during COVID-19. We just have to be sure to take extra precautions as we spend time with our families.
Fun Outdoor Activities
Pumpkin patches, haunted houses, hayrides and apple-picking are fall favorites, but they may involve close interaction with others.
You can make these activities safer by:
- Contacting the venue beforehand to learn about their distancing, capacity and cleaning guidelines.
- Visiting during off-peak hours.
- Leaving if you notice protocols are not being followed.
Taking a walk through the park, going on a drive to enjoy the changing leaves or hosting a fake tailgate in your yard (only for members of your household) are also ways to enjoy the fall weather while social distancing.
Halloween
Halloween fun can also be altered for safety. The CDC has categorized many Halloween activities, such as decorating your home, pumpkin-carving and holding a virtual costume contest or scavenger hunt, which are considered lower-risk activities. However, trick-or-treating is risky. Consider this if you are planning to trick-or-treat:
- Place individually wrapped goodie bags somewhere that trick-or-treaters can grab and go.
- Research the trick-or-treat plans for your community.
- Only trick-or-treat with members of your household.
Hosting and Attending Gatherings
Autumn is typically a time of gathering with friends and family. These events can still happen with a bit of planning and creativity. If you plan to host a gathering, follow these tips:
- Check out the CDC’s tips for hosting gatherings.
- Hold the event outdoors. If that is impossible, make sure your guests can stay in a well-ventilated space.
- Consider asking any guests from outside of your household to avoid contact with others for 14 days prior to the event.
If you plan to attend a gathering:
- Check with the event host to learn about their plans to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
- Bring supplies to help keep yourself and others safe, such as extra unused masks, tissues and hand sanitizer.
- Consider avoiding contact with people outside your household for 14 days prior to the event.
General Recommendations
Regardless of the activities you participate in this fall, it’s important to continue to maintain physical distance, wear a mask, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, and get tested if you think you have symptoms.
By taking these extra steps, you can make sure this fall season is equally fun and safe so you and your family can enjoy autumn during COVID-19!