It’s summer, but not like summer we’ve ever seen before. When the temperatures rose and the days grew longer, we were unable to celebrate like we’d usually do: by hitting the beach, eating out at restaurants, and taking a much-needed vacation away.

The pandemic has put a halt on many of the most enjoyable summer activities, but now that restrictions are beginning to ease, we may still be able to have a bit of fun while summer lasts. But which activities are safe right now? And which are better avoiding until COVID-19 completely passes?

Here’s how experts have rated 14 popular summer activities based on risk level.

1. Outdoor exercise: low-risk

The majority of countries now allow for outdoor exercise (but not all allow for team sports). Nobody’s getting too close to one another, so the risk is relatively low – though it’s unsurprising that sports like tennis and golf are safer than basketball and football right now.

2. Camping: low risk

Providing you’re not setting off on a camping trip with 40 strangers, camping is relatively low-risk. Camping usually involves being isolated in the middle of the outdoors, so actually, this is one of the safest summer activities.

3. Clubbing: high risk

It’s likely that the nightclub scene will change immensely over these next few months. Crowding in a hot, stuffy room with a load of people you don’t know sounds like a recipe for COVID-19 disaster. Especially as singing (and therefore spitting) and sweating are both common occurrences in a club.

4. Shopping at a mall: dependable

Your summer shopping experience will completely vary depending on a few factors, including the mall you choose to visit, and the time of the day you stop by. Shopping at peak times will put you more at risk, as you’ll be surrounded by other people. Shopping at emptier malls, or shopping outdoors, will work in your favor.

5. Haircuts: medium/high risk

There’s no avoiding the risks of visiting the hair salon. After all, your hairdresser or barber can’t cut your hair from across the room. Many hair salons are also fairly small in size, which makes it easier for airborne germs to spread.

6. Hotel stays: low/medium risk

You can bet that all hotels are going to introduce a cleaning and hygiene schedule like no other once they re-open, so you don’t need to worry so much about the risk of staying in a room. Just don’t spend too much time in common areas, like gyms, bars, restaurants and lobbies.

7. Visiting a vacation home: low risk

Spending time with another family in a vacation home is relatively low-risk, providing both families have followed quarantine rules as advised. Of course, the risk increases if one of these family members works in a job where they’re more likely to get infected.

8. Using a public restroom: low/medium risk

Using anything with the word “public” included in its title is always going to be a bit of a risk, but for the most part, you should be safe. Restrooms are designed to prevent the spreading of disease as it is, with automatic faucets and hand dryers preventing the need to touch surfaces. Providing you wash your hands well, and the restroom isn’t heaving with people, you should be fine.

9. Letting a friend use your bathroom: low risk

We’re all doing what we can to see our friends right now, and many people are safely hosting quarantine get-togethers in their front gardens. This is all fine until someone needs the toilet, and asks if they can use yours… but is it really a risk? Not really. Jut make sure to open all doors leading to the bathroom for them, and sanitise your bathroom after they have left.

10. Outdoor celebrations: medium/high risk

Unfortunately, any large gatherings pose a significant risk at the moment. You can’t get past the fact that the more people that gather in one spot, the higher the chances of possible germs spreading. Many weddings and other celebrations have been postponed, which is a wise idea.

11. Visiting a beach or a pool: low risk

We’ve all seen the images of people enjoying their newfound freedom on beaches around the country, but this activity is safer than the media has made it out to be. Providing you follow social distancing rules (which is pretty easy on larger beaches), you won’t put yourself or others in harm’s way.

12. Visiting a church, mosque or other religious building: medium/high risk

Any indoor area that welcomes mass gatherings of people is unsafe right now. However, there are ways to lower your risk while participating in a religious service. Social distancing in pews is an option. It’s also wise to put the singing of hymns on hold for now.

13. Eating at a restaurant: medium/high risk

It’s one of our favorite summer activities, but there’s no avoiding the risk of eating at an indoor restaurant. Not only are you sharing the space with other diners, there’s also a chance that your utensils and even your food might have been infected by a member of staff or a visitor. People also talk at restaurants, which may spread germs more easily.

14. Backyard gatherings with another household: low/medium risk

Everyone loves a backyard barbecue in the summer. Luckily, this activity is fairly low-risk if you’re just hanging out with another family. This only applies if both families have been following social distancing rules, however.

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Source: MPRNews