A beach can look so pristine it’s hard to imagine it could harbor a coronavirus. Yet the risks are still there, and we may just need one contact to pick up an infection. CDC (Centers for Disease Control) issued advice for beach goers during virus spread as we approach the height of summer. We judge this sufficiently important to dedicate this post.
CDC Advice for Beach Goers during Virus Spread: Remain Alert
Face masks still matter when outdoors according to Centers for Disease Control. Beach goers and staff should wear cloth face covers whenever feasible. In fact, these become essential when social distancing is impractical as beaches gradually reopen. Their advice applies equally to lakes, rivers and other open bodies of water.
However, according to CNN the Centers relax their advice a little in so far as summer beaches are concerned. They don’t recommend wearing face masks when swimming because these can become wet and obstruct breathing. This makes it even more important for swimmers, surfers and other water sports enthusiasts to maintain their social distances.
Three Scenarios for Decreasing Safety Levels
CDC tries to be as pragmatic as possible when providing this advice. Maintaining distances, and not sharing with people from other households is the safest bet, if this is practical.
However, the risk only increases to medium when within six feet from people who live in the same local area. And we may share equipment, food, toys and other supplies with neighbors.
But we enter high risk scenario if we are less than six feet from people from another area. And we freely share what we have with others including total strangers.
However, CDC does make one more exception to its advice for beach goers during virus spread. Lifeguards can get close to people they are rescuing – even if neither is wearing a face mask we presume.
Related
Masks Matter More with Distance Rule in Doubt
Distancing Breaks the Transmission Chain
Preview Image: Smartly Socially Distanced in Florida
