Continuing to get outside during quarantine

Hello all,

As we enter the month of May, some states are beginning to re-open different services and relax social distancing regulations, while others remain shut to stop the spread of COVID-19. For either case, it is important to remember that during times of stress and uncertainty, keeping an active routine and spending time outside can improve not only your physical health, but mental health as well.

Neighborhood walks are encouraged. If you are in a densely populated area, where other walkers are about, consider wearing a mask in addition to regular physical distancing.

You also might notice more people going jogging than you usually do. Joggers, because of their physical exertion, breathe heavier than walkers. A six-foot distance is usually not enough between joggers and other people — either jogging or walking — and it is recommended that you extend your social distancing bubble from six feet to twelve feet in these cases.

If headed to a state park or forest, check to make sure that the park or forest is open before visiting. While you may be healthy, closures and social distancing rules are meant to keep EVERYONE safe, not just you.

As spring arrives and the weather gets warmer, the temptation to get out and meet friends may arise. As much as we all have cabin-fever, we MUST continue to practice social and physical distancing in order to halt the spread of COVID-19. The sooner we flatten the curve, and the curve decreases, the sooner we can all be together again.

So stay safe, stay healthy, and stay socially distant!