If you're like most people, the COVID-19 pandemic has completely rocked your daily routine. If you feel you're missing out on life, you may be tempted to take some risks and start doing the things you used to do. But it's been found that the "transmission of COVID-19 is primarily occurring from people when they have symptoms, and can also occur just before they develop symptoms, when they are in close proximity to others for prolonged periods of time," according to the World Health Organization (WHO). People are everywhere and it's impossible to know who's infected, which puts a damper on many plans. If you can mitigate the risk of interacting with a bunch of people, you could take on a few fun activities, even during the pandemic. Check out these seven things it's relatively safe to do, even in the times of coronavirus. And to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus.1 Have a Small Outdoor PicnicCOVID-19 transmission is less likely to occur when you remain socially distanced and outside, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Bring your own food and your own blanket and tell a friend or two who's been cautious and responsible about the pandemic to do the same. Meet at an outdoor park, skip the hugs, and remain at least six feet apart. Since you're outside, not sharing food, and maintaining social distance, you should be safe enjoying a relaxing picnic together. Just keep your face mask on when not eating, to be extra careful.2 Attend a Drive-In MovieIf you're missing the excitement of going to the movies, you're in luck. Drive-in movies have been experiencing a resurgence during the pandemic. Many community areas, such as local parks, are also hosting drive-in movies to bring the community together while still remaining apart. If you only attend the showing with members of your household and remain in your car without interacting with other people, a drive-in movie is a safe (and fun) family outing during the pandemic. However, as always, "If you have COVID-19, have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, it is important to stay home and away from other people," warns the CDC.3 Order Take-Out FoodIf you're tired of cooking for the whole family but don't want to risk sitting down in a restaurant, it should be safe to order take-out food. COVID-19 isn't transmitted through food but if you're still worried about the risk, "The best thing to do is wash your hands before you consume the product. Take the food out of the packaging, put it on a plate, and then wash your hands before you eat," says Dr. Erin DiCaprio, Ph.D., from UCDavis. If you're going to pick up your food in-person, follow the restaurant's guidelines closely, such as waiting in your car or wearing a mask as you walk in.4 Chat With Friends OutsideWondering what your neighbors have been up to during quarantine? Dying to see your best friend's new haircut? It should be relatively low-risk to plan a socially distanced chat with friends in your driveway or front yard. Just be sure you keep it outside. "Indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor spaces where it might be harder to keep people apart and there's less ventilation," according to the CDC. Only invite a few people who you know have been responsible during the pandemic and remain six feet apart throughout your conversation.RELATED: 7 Things It's Not Safe to Do During Coronavirus5 Play GolfIf you're dying to get out on the golf course, there are ways to safely engage in the sport. Most golf courses are required to follow strict social distancing guidelines and they may have made other changes to their courses to minimize contact between players. You should ride in a golf cart alone or only with other members of your party. Bunker rakes may be removed, flagsticks replaced with non-touch devices, and electronic scoring procedures may be in place, according to the U.S. Golf Association (USGA). These actions make the game even safer, but it's still important to maintain six feet between yourself and other players and try to refrain from visiting public places, such as the clubhouse or pro shop.6 Take a WalkIf you live in a busy downtown area or decide to visit a bustling public park, a walk may not be a low-risk activity during the pandemic. However, if you can find a path that's not crowded and limits your exposure to other people, you can enjoy a safe and invigorating stroll. "It's important to remember that the same rules of social distancing that you follow indoors still apply while outdoors," according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you pass another person on your walk, move away to maintain six feet of distance and have a face mask handy to put on if you feel you may get too close.7 Host a Virtual Happy HourThe only way to remain 100% safe from COVID-19 infection is to stay home and away from other people. If you're at high risk for severe illness or you interact with friends or family members who are at high risk for complications from coronavirus, it may be best to only engage in home-based activities. Gain a little human interaction by hosting a video chat with co-workers, friends, or family members. You can play games, cook a dish, or have a drink together virtually. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
