Mask mandates are disappearing and COVID-19 transmission is less of a worry in warm weather, but you may still wish to observe precautions depending on your age and risk factors. Watch local transmission rates like you would the weather, CNBC suggests, to gauge the current threat in your area, and continue to wear an N95 mask if it makes you more secure even if no one else does so. “Grocery stores, theaters, hair salons and other public indoor venues are safer with a mask,” AARP says. “Researchers found that people who wore an N95 in public settings were 83 percent less likely to test positive for COVID-19 than those who wore no mask.” #SummerSafetyTips
Spending time in wooded areas this summer? Tick populatiions have exploded in recent years, and depending on the region, they can carry Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. They will attack any part of the body, but tend seek warm, damp places such as the underarms, scalp and underwear area, Banner Health says. Check your body for ticks after spending time outdoors; if you discover one, use a tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull it upward and out to ensure it doesn’t leave its mouth parts. Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol. #SummerSafetyTips
Swimming, boating and water sports are popular summertime activities, but be aware of the threat of unintentional drowning, which causes thousands of deaths every year. “We encourage families to build confidence in the water by learning to be safe, making good choices, learning to swim and how to handle emergencies,” the Red Cross says. Swim in a supervised, lifeguarded areas, it recommends, and designate a “water watcher” to keep an eye on people in and around the water. Learning advanced swimming techniques and CPR are good ideas at every age. #SummerSafetyTips
In many regions, outdoor activities such as hiking and camping are accompanied by the annoyance and discomfort of insect bites. Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin, Banner Health says, and read labels to ensure you apply them correctly. To make yourself less of a target for mosquitoes, biting flies, wasps and other insects, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in muted colors, and avoid heavily scented soaps or perfumes. Keep your shoes on when outdoors and consider draping beds in mosquito netting to keep those itchy bites to a minimum. #SummerSafetyTips
With coronavirus cases again on the rise due to the highly contagious Delta variant, remember that clothing donations can be made without coming into close contact with other people or risking viral transmission. Put lightly used clothing and household goods into boxes and bags, contact ClothingDonations.org to schedule a convenient, contactless pickup, and place those boxes and bags in the designated area on the scheduled day. A truck will whisk that used stuff away and leave you a receipt for tax purposes.