With summer in full swing, health officials are asking people to rethink their summer habits to better protect themselves against the virus.
Dr. Beth Donaldson, medical director and family physician with Copeman Healthcare, outlined a few summer-specific COVID-19 tips for British Columbians.
One of the most contentious issues that鈥檚 arisen during the pandemic is restrictions around social interactions. Donaldson said that whenever meeting people or a group of friends, keep it simple and stay outside.
鈥淩ooms with no circulation have the potential for a higher rate of infection, so when going to a restaurant, being on the patio is the safer option,鈥� Donaldson said.
鈥淚f you鈥檙e going to a friend鈥檚 house for dinner, ensure you鈥檙e spacing out the chairs and are only gathering with six to eight people. If you鈥檙e inside at a gathering, leave the windows open in the summer.鈥�
Hand sanitizer was one of the hottest commodities in the country at the beginning of the pandemic, but high temperatures can lower its effectiveness.
鈥淒o not leave your hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes in your car when the sun is out, as the heat can evaporate the alcohol, leaving them much less effective,鈥� said Donaldson. 鈥淗and sanitizer also doesn鈥檛 spread as well in the heat, potentially leaving surfaces on your hands untouched by the sanitizer.鈥�
Instead, Donaldson recommends keeping a smaller bottle on your person, and to restock a baggy with fresh hand wipes throughout the day so they stay effective in the summer heat.
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With summer heat comes its less fun side-effect 鈥� sunburns. As people apply their sunscreen, this simple activity may be a inconspicuous way of spreading the virus.
鈥淏efore lotioning up your face with sunscreen, always wash your hands to avoid the potential spread of the virus around your eyes,鈥� said Donaldson.
And like hand sanitizer, don鈥檛 let your sunscreen roast in the back seat of your car during a hot day, as it can cause it to change consistency and reduce its effectiveness.
Lastly, there aren鈥檛 many things more synonymous with summer than a good old fashioned barbecue. So whenever you may be enjoying one, remember to keep your food to yourself.
鈥淭hink about individual portions of food and avoid sharing plates,鈥� suggested Donaldson.
