Coronavirus: Go For A Walk Without Getting Infected Or Media Shamed
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| Canton Waterfront Promenade |
It's Saturday and we decided to go for a short walk to get some fresh air and exercise. At first, we were thinking if it was safe to go outside? There is a lot of confusion around this. On one hand we are told to stay home as much as possible and on the other hand, we are also been told that it is important to keep exercising - and that a walk or run in the park is OK. For instance, Mitchell Silver, New York's city parks commissioner, encouraged residents to use parks, pointing out that spending time outdoors can reduce stress and boost immunity. Brian Labus, a professor in public health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas said, "If you're outside walking by yourself, you're not exposed; if you're out walking the dog by yourself, there's no risk, it's when you have contact with other people that you need to be concerned."
However, last week scientists established that coronavirus droplets could linger in the air for up to 30 minutes, which added more confusion to our already-confused state of mind. Moreover, we don't want to be shamed on social media where people hashtag us #COVIDIOTS and comment that, "they deserve to get infected" because that is what is trending these days.
I did end up going for a short walk in the neighborhood itself. There were other people walking, running, with babies (both human and fur) but the waterfront boardwalk was not crowded. We made sure to stick to the precautionary guidelines issued by the health officials and based on those I have prepared a list of the do's and don'ts that I followed:
- Do maintain the recommended 6-feet distance. Treat narrow walk lanes like a single lane bridge, and wait for the other person to pass before you go through.
- Do try to take the staircase and avoid elevators. The condo I live in has two elevators. So, if I see my neighbor coming, I try to take the staircase or the other elevator. I also try to avoid touching the door handles or elevator buttons. It's cold so I wear long sleeves and use my elbows or arms instead of my hands/fingers.
- Do avoid going out during peak hours when everybody is out for walking.
- Do look ahead to see if someone who is going to pass you is sneezing our coughing.
- Do carry a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, just in case you need to touch your face.
- Do wash your hands for 20 secs with soap after coming home.
- Do change your clothes after coming home. We immediately put them for a wash. If you are not washing them immediately, then at least keep them separately from your usual home-clothes.
- Do take a shower. Cleaning your hair is equally important as washing your hands.
- Do sanitize your mobile phones, watch, keys, wallet, credit cards, etc after coming home.
- Don't touch anything (including your face) when you go out.
- Don't go to crowded places.
- Don't go very far from where you live or spend too much time outside.
Some of the above steps are not explicitly recommended by the WHO but we practice them since we have high-risk seniors with existing medical conditions who have come to stay with us.
We don't think we will be taking a walk anytime soon, maybe in a week if the weather and the official health advisories permit. Here is a video from our walk on the Canton Waterfront for viewing pleasure:
We don't think we will be taking a walk anytime soon, maybe in a week if the weather and the official health advisories permit. Here is a video from our walk on the Canton Waterfront for viewing pleasure:
Disclaimer: This video is not intended to encourage people to go out of their homes. We went for a walk and we are only sharing a video on that.
Updated on 03.30.2020: As the number of coronavirus cases topped more than 1,400, the Maryland Governor, Larry Hogan, ordered the state into lockdown with effect from 8 p.m today. This would prevent anyone from going out for anything other than for essential work, to get food or necessary medical attention and “other necessary purposes.” It allows you to take your fur babies for walkies and poopies (and, do not forget to clean up after them). Link to the news here: https://bit.ly/2JnhQdz.
In any case, I have been going out to get groceries once every two weeks. However, I do not over-shop. I am buying things that are necessary and will plan to make them last for two weeks. Lastly, please DO NOT PANIC and end up #groceryhoarding. Grocery stores will be open and you can go out to buy groceries. It is not a shoot-at-sight order that has been issued. So take it easy! Do not waste food. If you cook 10 items, then please limit it to 2-3 items. I have replaced kitchen paper towel with cloth towel.
Updated on 03.30.2020: As the number of coronavirus cases topped more than 1,400, the Maryland Governor, Larry Hogan, ordered the state into lockdown with effect from 8 p.m today. This would prevent anyone from going out for anything other than for essential work, to get food or necessary medical attention and “other necessary purposes.” It allows you to take your fur babies for walkies and poopies (and, do not forget to clean up after them). Link to the news here: https://bit.ly/2JnhQdz.
In any case, I have been going out to get groceries once every two weeks. However, I do not over-shop. I am buying things that are necessary and will plan to make them last for two weeks. Lastly, please DO NOT PANIC and end up #groceryhoarding. Grocery stores will be open and you can go out to buy groceries. It is not a shoot-at-sight order that has been issued. So take it easy! Do not waste food. If you cook 10 items, then please limit it to 2-3 items. I have replaced kitchen paper towel with cloth towel.
This is a critical time for all of us and we should cooperate and make things better for each other. So, until next time, stay in, stay safe and stay calm!