Remember when we all first went into lockdown? The debate over whether or not masks were necessary, the toilet paper and hand sanitizer shortage, the 20-second hand-washing song generators making the rounds on social media. It seems like ages ago, but in fact it’s only been a few months since we’ve been living in this “new normal.”
We’re not out of the woods yet. Happily, however, there are some glimmers of light and hope. Communities around the world are beginning to ease restrictions and open back up, albeit in cautious stages. While it’s still essential to take safety precautions, many of us can at least begin to look forward to socializing, returning to the office, and shopping somewhere besides Amazon once again.
What Is and Isn’t Safe Right Now: What We Know So Far
These times can be confusing, however. The risks are still there, and we still don’t have a solid grasp on just how risky certain activities are. Just because things might be getting back to normal doesn’t mean we can plunge right in. After all, one person’s “essential services” are another person’s perks. Let’s take a look at what you can do in the coming weeks, and which situations warrant further consideration and/or waiting.
Haircuts
Restrictions on haircuts, manicures, facials, and other health and beauty services are easing up, at least from a governmental point of view. Your stylist or aesthetician might have their own ideas about safety, so contact them before getting too excited about a cut and color.
Anyone who comes into such close physical contact with you, however, should definitely be masked – and you should too, if at all possible.
Get Togethers with Friends
Missing those backyard potlucks, girls’ nights in, or casual dinners with your besties? These are among the potentially safest activities as we come out of quarantine. First, ensure that everyone is healthy and no one has a fever.
Distance yourselves as much as possible, and don’t neglect your handwashing habit. It’s also smart to BYO utensils, plates, cups, etc. If you plan on breaking bread together. For that matter, if you want to be extra cautious, bring your own food, too.
Travel
All those who wander are feeling pretty restless these days! If you miss traveling, you’re probably seriously stir crazy right about now. It’s likely OK to get out there again, provided you take precautions.
A road trip is probably your best bet. Avoid crowded trains, planes, and ships; the more people you come into contact with, the greater your risk for infectious disease transmission.
Home Services
Having been working from home in recent months, you have become keenly aware of that dripping faucet, dingy paint job, or peeling shingles. Is it safe to have home-services professionals come to the house?
Any service you hire should go out of their way to assure you of their safety protocols, say the Canberra plumbers at www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-canberra/. Keep a distance from any service providers who enter your house, wear your mask, and be sure to disinfect when they have left.
Many homeowners are sticking only to emergency repairs or projects that are absolutely necessary, but use your own discretion
Dining Out
Particularly in warmer climates, where there is plenty of outdoor seating, foodies are planning to return to their favorite eateries as soon as possible. Getting takeout is great, but there are some meals that really ought to be eaten off plates, rather than out of styrofoam containers.
Again, do everything in your power to limit close interaction with other people if you go out to eat. Make sure the café or restaurant has placed seating with plenty of space between parties. Carry antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer with you, and don’t be shy about wiping down surfaces for extra security. No one will take offense.
It’s Gonna Feel Good to Get Back Out There!
Not many of us enjoy the feeling of being cooped up at home, with only quick jaunts to the grocery store to relieve our cabin fever. The good news is that life as we know it is beginning to return to life as it used to be. Be vigilant about your hygiene, don’t leave the house if you or anyone in your home starts to show any symptoms of COVID-19, and use your common sense. Remember, we’re all in this together!
How have your habits changed in the past few months? Do you have any plans to travel in the near future? What precautions do you take when you leave your home? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
