Enjoying the Outdoors During an Outbreak
June 16, 2020
With the recent lift of the “Stay at Home” order, Minnesotans are now one step closer to enjoying their normal day-to-day lives. Not only is it no longer required to stay in your home (aside from essential errands), but Minnesotans may also gather in groups of 10 or less, and can even go camping with their families! If the outdoors isn’t for you, you can now even visit your favorite shops.
The timing of these updated regulations couldn’t be better. Fishing season is in full swing, the temperature keeps rising, and there’s plenty of sunshine to enjoy. Many people say that the early days of self-quarantine were no problem for Minnesotans because we’re used to staying cooped up indoors for months out of the year. That might be true, but we also love to enjoy the great outdoors when we have the chance!
Of course, although the restrictions have eased up a bit, you still may feel some concern about venturing out into the world. It’s understandable if you feel conflicted between the need to be mindful of the health of those around you and the desire to spend time out of the house. Not to worry! We have compiled some helpful tips that will guide you in enjoying the outdoors while still keeping yourself, and others, safe.
Stock Up Ahead of Time
If you’re planning a hike, fishing trip, and/or camping trip, you’ll need supplies. One way to limit exposure during your trip is to stock up on these supplies beforehand. Prepare a checklist of everything you might need — not only during your trip but also on the way to your destination. For example, pack snacks and meals for the car, pick up some bait ahead of time, and so on. This helps limit the need to make “pit stops” on the way. (Plus, it gives you a chance to support your newly reopened local businesses!)
Plan Your Date, Time, and Location Carefully
With more restrictions being lifted, everyone is excited to take advantage of the opportunity to finally get out of the house. This will likely lead to huge spikes in activity at some of your favorite destination spots. Unfortunately, this can mean that you unwillingly find yourself amid a large flock of tourists, when you planned a nice quiet excursion! To avoid this, try staying in contact with local establishments near your destination. They can provide “insider info” on the most — and least — crowded times and dates in their area.
Continue to Follow Health Guidelines
Although germs travel from one person to another more easily in enclosed spaces, it’s still possible to transmit disease while outdoors. While on your outdoor adventure, continue to follow health guidelines and regulations. Bring hand sanitizer if you can, and wear gloves and masks whenever you might be around other travelers. When you return home, promptly wash and sanitize your equipment to remove any germs they may have collected on the journey.
Minnesotans want nothing more than to return to life, as usual, so we can do what we love best: take some time to enjoy the natural beauty of our home state. While many of the guidelines and restrictions during this time can pose a major annoyance, following them as best we can ensure that we’ll get back to “normal” as soon as possible.