It’s the time of the year when people typically go on camping trips. However, this year, situations are different. With the global pandemic still around and cases continuously rising in many parts of the world, how can you stay safe and healthy when you merely want to spend some time outdoors in a tent?
With that, campgrounds in the United States are slowly opening. In South Dakota, the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton saw its busiest camping season this time after nearly 20 years.
According to the district park supervisor, Shane Bertsch, “I think it stems from COVID. People have just been anxious to get out.” He continued, “We’ve also gotten a lot of use on our hiking and biking trails. I’ve seen more people use our hiking trails than I ever have before. And we’ve seen some beach traffic.”
Despite state park and campgrounds openings, there are set COVID-19-related guidelines, such as social distancing recommendations and the limiting of people inside visitor centers.
Camping Considered Low-Risk
Camping and other outdoor activities are considered low risk based on the growing consensus that transmission risks are lower outdoors. According to an associate professor of family medicine at Michigan State University, Claudia Finkelstein, “The final word on outdoor recreation? Of course, go out and be active. It’s important for your mental and physical health. But, choose wisely, be prepared, and stay safe.”
Additionally, four public health specialists in Michigan were interviewed about the estimated level of risk of camping, and it came at a low three, with ten being the highest.
Staying Safe While Camping
Despite the lower risk of contracting the virus while camping, the Centers for Disease (CDC) says that travel of any kind, such as camping, still puts you at risk of getting and spreading the virus. This is why it is essential to practice good hygiene basics, such as washing your hands as frequently as possible and not touching your face.
Likewise, stay safe by wearing a face mask and maintaining a six-foot distance away from others when you’re out in public, even when you’re at a campground.
The CDC also released guidelines on how to protect yourself when spending time outdoors. It includes bringing cleaning and disinfecting products, choosing campgrounds that are near your home, and keeping a hand sanitizer on hand. Additionally, it is best to avoid gathering with people outside your travel group and bring essentials.
Most people all over the world have been forced to stay inside their homes for months, which is why it’s no wonder why many of them are taking this opportunity to spend more time outdoors as lockdowns start to ease in some areas. This is also the reason camping, along with other recreational activities, seems to be extremely popular these days.
Having a Safe Time Outdoors
Despite national parks and campgrounds opening up, it is essential to keep in mind that the virus is still here, and cases are still on the rise. It is necessary to be mindful of yourself and others when you’re outdoors. Practice basic hygiene, wear masks at all times, and make sure that you don’t go near people, especially those you don’t know.
Rest assured that you can still enjoy the outdoors despite the global health crisis. What matters here is that you know how to stay safe and healthy while you’re out to prevent getting infected and spreading the virus.
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