As of Thursday, about 7,700 people have become ill and 170 have died since the coronavirus was first detected last month in Wuhan, China, according to The Associated Press. Some outdoor dining areas have plexiglass or plastic dividers in between tables, which is even better. It's much better to visit with friends or family in an outdoor setting than inside. Many national, state and local parks have remained opened during the coronavirus outbreak.. New York City Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver … However, in order to be served, diners must order at least one food item if they want to order a drink as well. But keep reading below for the activities that, in general, are riskiest to the safest. Many things to do in Chicago are open to the public with additional safety measures and limited capacities. "People need to be much more spaced out and there needs to be good air ventilation and good air conditioning. Those face-to-face conversations can easily transmit the virus from one person to the next. Choose less crowded stores and go at off hours, like a Tuesday night at 7 p.m. versus a Saturday morning at 10 a.m. You should also check if the store is taking extra measures, like placing plexiglass or plastic barriers between you and the cashier, wiping down grocery carts after every use, or taking other measures to encourage social distancing, like by marking six-foot distances on the floor in lines. 3. Here are some options that are still available.) "With most of these activities there is relative risk and it depends largely on two things: the environment and what you do in that environment. The city continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation, while introducing health and safety measures to protect Chicagoans and visitors. Nothing about 2020 has been what anyone expected, and this fall will be no exception. Chicago is now in Phase Four of the city’s reopening plan, with some additional mitigations. Personal services (e.g. Let's face it -- much of the country is seeing a huge uptick in virus cases -- so you could be at more risk now than at the beginning of the pandemic, even though everything was shut down then.Â. Unless it's absolutely necessary, you should avoid air travel until there is a vaccine or treatment for the virus. Are all employees covering their faces at all times, even in the kitchen where you can't see? Looking for safe things to do during the coronavirus pandemic? Coronavirus is still a thing. Even though almost every situation is unique and depends on a ton of variables, health experts say there are some activities that are generally less risky than others when it comes to protecting yourself and others from COVID-19.Â, The only way to keep yourself 100% free from risk is to technically isolate yourself from society and live somewhere you can be completely self-sustaining. getting groceries or having food delivered, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Gyms were some of the first businesses to reopen. ; Most public gatherings are currently cancelled until further notice. The thing that's hard to control is what's happening in the environment," Kesh says. If you can't do that, then you should be outside and not indoors. An infectious disease specialist walks us through how to safely enjoy your time outside, even during the coronavirus pandemic. If you eat outside at a restaurant you should still practice social distancing and cover your face when you are not eating. © 2021 CNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. Take a hike: Simple outdoor activities are no-brainers when it comes to … This way you can limit how many people are there and who you come into contact with. Finally, being around servers is also a risk since you will be talking to and interacting them at a close proximity pretty frequently.Â, Your best bet is to opt for takeout and eat at home. Then they have a few drinks and they relax even more so the masks come off and everyone gets closer together, then before you know it everyone is having face-to-face conversations without a mask on," Kesh says. No cases outside … You can call beforehand and see if they are limiting people in the gym or ask how full it is before you go. "The salon shouldn't be crowded, it should be well-ventilated and they should keep the doors and windows open so there is good airflow. March 13, 2020. For example, the CDC recommends keeping a … with safe social distancing. KidsOutAndAbout.com provides over 250 ideas for making the most of your time together and avoid driving each other crazy. Especially in a more controlled environment like your own backyard. "The thing that I see a lot of is when we are around our friends, people tend to relax. You should wear your own mask as much as possible, especially when talking or waiting for your food.Â. Social distancing and face coverings are required whenever possible. It's better to choose a store that limits the capacity and where you know you will feel more safe. The less frequently you expose yourself to risky situations, the less likely you are to contract the virus. Grocery shopping can be relatively safe if you are careful and avoid crowded stores. If you can bring a seat cover, that is even better. This is essentially what a haircut is, since you are required to be very close to a hairstylist who may or may not be carrying the virus for prolonged periods of time.Â. Advanced ticketing/reservations are encouraged whenever possible. You should also be sure to wipe down any and all equipment before and after you touch it and avoid using shared items that are hard to clean after each use, like a resistance band for example. When you need a change of scenery, but aren’t feeling a more intense workout, going for a walk is going to come in clutch. Check with individual museums for reopening details, safety precautions, and ticketing information. I've seen some city parks that have paint on the grass to help distance people, but they need to follow those rules," Kesh says. Indoor museums, cultural institutions, and performance arts centers are currently open with limited capacity. So the kind of focus that we are able to maintain with social distancing, the masks and hand hygiene, it sometimes goes out the window because your attention is scattered, it's noisy and you're trying to figure out where to go. Here are 100 things to do during the quarantine. For example, a quick trim done on dry hair is much faster than getting highlights or color, for example. Check out all open tours and attractions: All Chicago parks (except all beaches and parks east of Lake Shore Drive) are open to enjoy: Both essential and non-essential retail are open. Eating inside at a restaurant can be risky for a few different reasons. All rights reserved.Privacy policy | Terms of use | Sitemap, in Gold Coast is now open; their spa is currently open for nail services, Chicago museums open now and opening soon, Top things to do for Valentine’s Day in Chicago, 10 hot shows from Chicago theatres to stream this January, 7 rooftop bars that are heating up Chicago this winter, New Year’s Eve dinner in Chicago: outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery options. Walk in nature. Gyms are not the ideal place to be since people breathe hard and exhale forcefully, making it easier to spread the virus. 1. Whether you dine inside or outside, you should make sure that the area is not crowded.Â. There are ways of making the best out of any situation, Also, be very selective about who you invite over -- now is not the time to invite people you don't really know or trust. Although most experts agree there's no problem with going outside, there are some precautions you need to take. Why it's risky: It may seem harmless enough, but getting your haircut can put you at significant risk for getting infected. 10 activities that expose you to coronavirus, ranked from most to least risky. Indoor capacity is limited to allow for social distancing. So even people who are well meaning, the rules tend to go by the wayside," Kesh says. You may also encounter many people on the way to and from the park, which you should take into consideration. Gavin Newsom issued a stay-at-home order for the state of California amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. with safe social distancing. If you have a circle of friends who you know are responsible with social distancing and avoid going out and being in groups, then you are safer than if you invite your friend over who went to a bar the past weekend.Â, Health authorities, like the CDC, encourage you to limit seeing friends indoors as much as possible. Eating inside is risky for several reasons -- including the fact that diners need to remove face masks to eat. The exception that could make this risky is if many people are crowded together, especially if there are people you don't really know. When you're outside, fresh air is constantly moving, dispersing these droplets. 2 Minute Read. For ideas on what to do during your sudden Little Rhody staycation, read on! Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. Bars that don’t serve food can offer outdoor seating and takeout/delivery. People are always worried about making their flight, going to the security checks -- there's a lot of distraction. If you are immunocompromised for example, or live with someone who is, then you probably want to steer clear from anything on the list below that is considered higher risk.Â, It's better to do as few medium to high risk activities as possible. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Under the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, you can still walk, run, bike and hike outside, as long as you take the proper precautions. But a lot of the transmission we are seeing, maybe even up to 40%, is happening in the presymptomatic or asymptomatic people -- and those are the people who look fine, feel fine and may be working out and they may be able to spread it. On Nov. 13, head to Night Out at the Museum from 6 to 9 at the Mint Museum to enjoy art and live music from Pre Vox Trio, or catch “Hook” during a free movie night at Victoria Yards. So, let’s talk about some free things to do with kids! ", Be sure to sit at tables that are well spaced apart. Macy's 53rd annual holiday window theme will honor first responders and essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic as a "thank you," a press release said. Sometimes for me that’s as simple as running my hands under hot water. The first problem is that drinking disinhibits you, making it more likely that you or those around you will forget to wear a mask or to social distance.Â. Chicago restaurants are open for indoor and outdoor dining and takeout/delivery with appropriate safety measures. If you go to the bathroom on the plane, be sure to wash your hands and use hand sanitizer when you touch anything that others could touch.Â. Getting together with friends inside depends again on the number of people, how well you know them and the amount of exposure they've had leading up to coming into contact with you. 2. Find a quiet spot with no interruptions. So that's the situation where I would be more worried," Dr Kesh says.Â. Here are 125 fun things to do during coronavirus quarantine with your family. Chicago’s music/performance venues and movie theatres are reopening with limited capacity beginning Jan. 18, 2021. Many health experts suggest that indoor social gatherings are driving the recent uptick in cases of COVID-19. Try to book a flight that is less crowded, even if you have to go at a time that is not ideal. As the nation grapples with this crisis and people are encouraged to stay home, this page is intended to help you pass the time and consider ways to give back to the hospitality community, even if you can’t do it in person. For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the. There are things you can't do during the coronavirus outbreak, but luckily Fairfax is filled with tons of things you can do! I know my typical color and cut appointment takes upwards of two hours, which is a long time to be around other people in a hair salon and in close proximity to a stylist.Â. Some experts suggest that parties and other indoor gatherings of friends and family are causing a significant number of new cases.Â. Learn more about what’s open in Chicago below. Experiencing lots of "family togetherness" during the Coronavirus pandemic? Indoor dining is allowed at establishments that serve food, with limited capacity. There are plenty of remarkable things about everyone I’ve ever met, so there are about you too. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The goal of Phase Four of the Protecting Chicago plan is to continue cautiously reopening the city, while ensuring the safety of residents and visitors. All Chicago parks, including the Lakefront Trail and lakefront parks west of Lake Shore Drive, are now open. I won’t be doing that, because meditation isn’t for me, but I know it really helps others. Gyms are open with limited capacity and all patrons must wear masks. Flying is considered one of the highest risk activities you can do during COVID-19. Check that the restaurant you are going to is prioritizing sanitation, employee hygiene and that all staff wears masks. Check here for the latest on Chicago museums open now and opening soon. The 606 is open for exercise and transit (walking, running, biking, etc.) All parks and beaches east of Lake Shore Drive remain closed. These things are relatively safe to do during coronavirus pandemic: small picnic,drive-in movie, ordering take-out food, chat with friends outside. Learn how to meditate. Explore our list of 50 things to do this fall. But we know that most people aren't living that way and the rest of us have to interact with other people in some way during the pandemic, whether that's getting groceries or having food delivered. Also, this does not include group fitness classes or group training, which Kesh and the CDC say you should avoid for now. But according to Kesh, bars are considered high-risk when it comes to your chance of contracting the virus. All restaurants and bars are currently closed from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day until further notice. Even if you are wearing masks, remember that they do not make you invincible, especially at such close proximity, but they will help lessen your risk of transmitting or getting the virus. Chicago’s museums, restaurants, parks, and more are currently open with new safety precautions, limited capacities, and contactless entry options. "Outdoors viral particles and droplets disperse in open air much more quickly. So if we do all of those things the right way, the gym can be a low to medium risk area," Kesh says. Being outside offers other benefits, too. And if your kids are anything like mine, they need to be entertained 24/7. Bars are fairly high-risk environments when it comes to COVID-19. Eating outdoors, if you are able to social distance correctly and avoid crowded areas, is much less risky than eating inside. The Lakefront Trail is open for exercise and transit (walking, running, biking, etc.) She also recommends checking that the gym has good air conditioning and is taking other measures to ensure good air flow and safety.Â. Coronavirus: What to know about the coronavirus vaccine rollout in D.C., Maryland and Virginia Weather: Showers by late afternoon or evening, … If bars are open in your state, it may be tempting to grab a drink with friends. Also look into the businesses safety guidelines and sanitation protocols -- does it seem like this restaurant is taking extra safety measures and taking the virus seriously? The next best choice is dining outside. Chicago’s tours and outdoor attractions are open to enjoy with new safety and social distancing practices. Copy By: Beth Gillette; Feature Image By: @larkandlinen; As of this past Monday, The Everygirl office has been working from home amidst the coronavirus (or COVID-19) outbreak here in Chicago (and all over the country … and the world). If you decide to engage in public activities, continue to protect yourself by practicing everyday preventive actions. The other risk factor is hygiene -- when is the last time you went to a super clean bar? If you are going to socialize, gathering with friends outside is the best way to do this. Check out the latest hotel special offers for deals and discounts. Check our what’s open page for more details. There’s nothing more important to us than your health and safety. The chances that sanitary measures are a priority at most bars is not great -- some may do better than others, but still the risk is there. But be sure to wear a mask when you can't maintain distance from others. Make this simple DIY ball ramp game. It's much easier to spread the virus inside since people are likely gathered closer together, talking and touching surfaces like doors, tables, chairs and more. Probably not that much. You should still wear masks while outside and encourage people to practice proper hand hygiene by letting them know where a sink is and providing hand sanitizer. Play free games featuring Elmo, Daniel Tiger and more at pbskids.org. "Some people will say if you feel well enough to go to the gym, then you won't be affected. Just like if you are having friends over indoors, limit the number of people so you can social distance appropriately. Check out online activities, take-out restaurants & more. According to Kesh, it's among one of the riskiest situations to put yourself in when it comes to exposure to COVID-19.Â. Guidelines include: © 2021 Choose Chicago. All lakefront parks west of Lake Shore Drive are opened to the public, including Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Burnham Park, Harold Washington Park, and Jackson Park, as well as the Jackson Park Golf Course and Diversey Driving Range. The art kits consist of basic instructions and fun things to do and have been very well received. First, being inside and around others puts you at risk of exposure to people carrying the virus. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re committed to the safety of our visitors and locals. Bring something comfy to lie or sit on and then … Even as our worlds are opening up more and a little bit of normalcy has come to our lives, many of us are still working from home and a lot of kids are attending school virtually to maintain social distancing efforts. Transmit the virus that causes COVID-19 to become infected condition or health objectives basic instructions and fun activities kids! For more details you come into contact with socialize, gathering with outside... 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