As states around the country continue the slow but steady process of lifting restrictions, the Centers for Disease Control has issued updated tips to help Americans stay safe.
“I know that the people are eager to return to normal activity and ways of life,” Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a statement. “However, it is important that we remember that this situation is unprecedented, and that the pandemic has not ended.”
The CDC emphasizes that all Americans should consider how closely they interact with others, and for how long, to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. The following guidelines are recommended for the most common day-to-day activities people are finally resuming.
Going to the Bank
- Use drive-thru banking services to avoid face-to-face interactions
- Wear a cloth face covering for all in-person transactions
- Use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol after any deposit, withdrawal, or visit
Dining at a Restaurant
- Check the restaurant’s specific COVID-19 safety guidelines online or by phone
- Wear a cloth face covering when less than 6 feet apart from others
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds when entering and exiting the restaurant
- Sit outside when possible
- Choose food and drink options that are not self-serve to limit the use of sharing utensils
Hosting Gatherings
- Kindly ask that guests do not come if they have been exposed to COVID-19 in the past two weeks or are showing signs of the virus
- Host your gathering outdoors when possible, or in a well-ventilated area
- Minimize gestures that promote close contacts, such as hugging and handshaking
- Wear cloth face coverings when less than six feet apart
- Consider providing face coverings and hand sanitizer for guests
- Wash and sanitize all shared items after the event
- Use single-use options, such as plastic silverware and paper plates
Using Gyms and Fitness Centers
- Ask about extra preventions, such as plexiglass barriers, staff wearing face coverings, and closing of shared locker room space
- Take classes outdoors when possible
- Limit attendance at indoor group training sessions
- Maintain six feet of separation or more between others
- Ensure equipment is clean and disinfected
- Do not use items that cannot be cleaned, sanitized, or disinfected between uses
Going to Salons
- Book services in advance to avoid lobby waiting time
- Only visit salons where staff wear cloth face coverings and physical barriers are installed
- Wear a cloth face covering at all times when inside
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer immediately before and after receiving services
Visiting Libraries
- Use online reservation and advance-over checkout systems
- Select curbside pickup, if offered
- Choose digital resources when available
- Use cloth face coverings during pick-up exchanges
- Wash your hands before and after exchanges
- Clean and disinfect electronics and library materials
Summer is nearly here, and by recommending these guidelines, the CDC hopes that Americans can enjoy the season of reopening without increasing their risk of illness.
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