With restrictions being eased in Central New York and most parts of the country, it’s natural to wonder which activities are safe to conduct and which ones still may be a bit risky, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions that could be worsened by COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. 

Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has guidance on four different places regarding their level of risk during the pandemic.

Eating at a Restaurant

The main difference seems to be eating outdoors vs. eating indoors. Given that people will be eating and drinking, masks will not be worn among customers. The size of the restaurant and its ventilation are also things you should consider. Employees should be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and wearing masks, and if social distancing is practiced at outdoor tables, your risk is considerably less than it would be indoors.

Getting a Haircut

A haircut will put you in close quarters with one person. You and the hair stylist should both be wearing a mask, and limit your time in the salon by either waiting outside or in your car until you are ready to be serviced. You can also ask the hair stylist to wear gloves while cutting your hair, and it would be best if they changed gloves between clients.

Fitness Centers

Fitness locations like gyms and yoga studios still portend a high risk. People are often close together, breathing heavily and sweating, and likely not wearing masks. Visiting a gym isn’t recommended if there is coronavirus in your community, but you can make it safer by checking to see if employees are wearing masks and the facility is undergoing regular deep cleanings.

Places of Worship

Outdoor services where people are practicing social distancing would be the safest activity. Risk increases by moving services indoors, especially if worshippers are not wearing masks. Even by staying 6 feet apart, people could be at risk because it’s been found that singing can increase the distance that virus particles can travel out of a person’s mouth. 

To learn more about Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://cooperstown-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.