With another winter accompanied by COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses like the flu, many of us want to cozy up under a blanket and snooze until spring is in full swing. While taking steps to stay safe is important, there are plenty of ways to have fun without risking your health.
Embracing the outdoors
Whether it’s a scenic winter walk or a downhill skiing adventure, getting outside is great for your physical and mental wellbeing. Plus, it’s one of the safer places to be when it comes to the risk of getting sick. Because outdoor air circulates freely, it cuts down on the buildup of respiratory particles, so there’s less risk of spreading viruses like COVID-19 and the flu, compared to being inside.
Try snowshoeing, making snow angels, skating or visiting ice sculptures. Just be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, clean your hands often and continue masking in crowded indoor spots, like the skate rental shop.
Staying warm inside
While an indoor event may have added risk for COVID-19 compared to the outdoors, you can still have a good time and help keep yourself and others safe by following a few simple steps.
If possible, keep the guest list relatively small, and opt for a larger space. Try to improve indoor airflow before, during, and after your get-together, you’ll have a lower risk of spreading infection. You can do this by opening windows and exterior doors – even for a just a few minutes, running bathroom and kitchen fans on low speed, or turning on the fan in your heating cooling and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
As always, individual public health measures continue to be useful:
- Stay up to date on your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations to prevent serious illness and complications;
- Practice basic hygiene, like washing your hands often and coughing into the bend of your arm instead of your hand;
- Stay home and away from others if you’re not feeling well or have any symptoms such as a sore throat, cough or runny nose, even if mild.
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