How to Get Out of the House While You Are Away From Society
Now that everything is off and we are all practicing social distancing, the big question remains how to safely get out of the house. An important part of maintaining the health and safety of everyone else is keeping a distance of at least six feet, as well as avoiding touching any surfaces that may be contaminated or that you may unknowingly contaminate. While this precludes many steps, there are still a few options left.
When planning an outdoor excursion, you should make a plan. For example, how will you deal with bathroom breaks? What’s the meal plan? If you only get to your destination and find it crowded, where will you go?
Be sure to bring plenty of hand sanitizer with you, make a contingency plan, and above all, if you or anyone in your family feels a little sick, stay home.
With that in mind, here are some ideas for getting out safely.
Ride a bike
This is a fantastic way to get some fresh air and explore the surrounding area. If some time has passed, make sure your bike is in good condition and then be careful with the route, especially if you live in a city that is not suitable for cyclists. If you’re looking to brush up on traffic rules, bike maintenance tips, and get an idea of your city’s safety rankings, the League of American Cyclists has the resources to get you started.
Go on a family hike
Depending on where you live, it could be just a long walk in your area or a long walk in a nearby park. The important part is making sure you’re not in a crowded area, which, given how many people have been locked in their homes all week, can be more difficult than usual. With that in mind, it would be better to ditch the conventional parka for some of the lesser known. A good place to start is Hike It Baby , which offers hiking and itineraries.
Order food for pickup
Perfectly safe , ordering food is a good way to support a local restaurant. Order directly from the restaurant if you can, as third-party apps may charge a commission and generous tips are highly recommended, preferably electronically. If you do need to pay in cash, disinfect your hands before and after. It is also recommended to discard the original packaging and avoid the dishes and containers in which the food is going.
Have a family picnic
Even if it’s right in your backyard, packing food in the refrigerator and spreading a blanket on the grass can work wonders in fighting home fever. If you go to a local park, keep your distance and clean up after yourself.
Watch the birds
Bird watching is possible without ever getting out of the car, which means your kids can sleep peacefully and also reduce the risks of exposure. The Audobon Society provides some tips on poultry farming while practicing social distancing, and they also have a free Bird Guide app you can download.