Spending Memorial Day Weekend with a New Guest: COVID-19

Tips on How to Stay Safe

Memorial Day weekend is upon us. We certainly need it, after months of being sad cave-dwellers. It’s now the unofficial start of summer.

(Spring, we hardly knew thee!)

Hello beach! Hello park! Hello BBQ by the pool… with friends… chatting, laughing…imbibing. Grilling and chilling.

But wait. Not so fast. We are not out of the woods just yet. We still need to be careful.

Despite easing restrictions and lockdown measures, officials are encouraging us to use extra caution. Why? Each year on Memorial Day weekend, across the country, plenty of serious injuries and deaths occur, as people celebrate the holiday with wild abandon. Some may celebrate with even more wild abandon this year, given all that pent-up energy that accumulated while we were mostly indoors for weeks on end.

Health experts have repeatedly said that this summer plays a key role in understanding how COVID-19 may progress. So, remember to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, as you practice social distancing, and   frequently pump copious squirts from that large bottle of hand sanitizer.

Here are a few other ways you can be careful this weekend: 

GRILLING SAFETY

Memorial Day is a day for an increased number of home fires and burn injuries. Grilling fires spark more than 10,000 home fires on average each year. Stay safe with these grilling tips from the American Red Cross:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use;
• Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent or any enclosed area;
• Make sure everyone– including the pets–stays away from the grill;
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire;
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe;
• Never add charcoal starter fluid, when coals have already been ignited;
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills. 

WATER SAFETY:

First, let’s get this question out of the way: Can COVID-19 be transmitted through pool water?

The Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) says, “No.” “There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the water. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (with chlorine or bromine) of pools should kill COVID-19,” the agency says.

Great news, you’re thinking. Yes, it is, but…the CDC still cautions us to maintain social distancing, both in and out of the water. You know what that means… at all times stay 6 feet away from people who don’t live with you.

Also:

• Do not wear masks or other face coverings in the water, as it may be difficult to breathe;
• Don’t share goggles, nose clips, snorkels or other personal items

According to the CDC, about 10 people die every day from unintentional drowning, making it the No. 5 leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States (and the No. 1 leading cause of unintentional injury death for kids ages 1 to 4).

Other safety precautions to take:

• Follow the guidance of state and local officials. Make sure the area is designated for swimming;
• Make sure everyone in your family understands water safety;
• Adults- actively supervise children and stay within arm’s reach of young children and new swimmers;
• Designate a ‘Water Watcher’ to keep a close eye and constant attention on children and weaker swimmers in and around the water, until the next Water Watcher takes over;
• Make sure children know to follow the rules;
• Keep a constant eye for any water dangers, such as portable splash pools/slides, buckets, and bathtubs;
• Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair –everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards;
• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when on a boat, or if in a situation beyond your skill level. Inflatable children’s toys and water wings can be fun, but they are no substitute for a life jacket and adult supervision;
• Use fence pools and spas with adequate barriers;
• Watch out for rip currents. If caught in one, swim parallel to the shore.

A SPECIAL WORD ABOUT CHILDREN IN THE AGE OF COVID-19

Last week the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a health advisory about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C), an illness, apparently related to COVID-19, recently presenting in children. Some of those children presented with the disease, even though they tested negative for COVID-19.

Symptoms for MIS-C include:

• Stomach pain;
• Vomiting;
• Fever;
• Rash;

Doctors said MIS-C can damage a child’s heart. However, quickly treating a child for the disease tends to be effective, and most children go home after a few days in the hospital. The CDC cautions that children exhibiting symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, fever and rash should receive  immediate medical attention.

DRIVING SAFETY

Headed out on the road this weekend? Memorial Day weekend is the deadliest holiday for car accidents.

• Avoid driving while tired or distracted;
• Wear seat belts;
• Observe speed limits;
• Don’t follow too closely; and
• Obey the other rules of the road.

Finally, use a designated driver, if you plan on drinking alcohol.

As we venture out this weekend, let us REMEMBER AND HONOR THOSE WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR COUNTRY.

ENJOY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! 

Wishing you and your loved ones good health and safety.