You Can Still Go Outside While Social Distancing, but You’ll Need to Take Some Precautions

Being asked to stay at home can be challenging, particularly if you’re dealing with a lot of nervous energy right now. With the 24-hour coverage of the coronavirus growing more unsettling every day, you may find yourself craving some sense of normalcy while practicing social distancing. The good news: if normalcy means getting some much-needed sunlight and fresh air, you can still venture out while keeping yourself and others safe.

“During this pandemic, it is still safe to go outside to get some fresh air and sun, as long as you continue to practice social distancing,” Natasha Bhuyan, MD, a family physician and regional medical director at One Medical, told POPSUGAR. “That means staying at least six feet away from other people, whether you are going for a hike, walking your dog, or jogging in the neighborhood.” But keep in mind, this might not be as simple as you’d think. “This might take some careful planning, especially for people who live in high-density areas,” she said.

Dr. Bhuyan went on to explain that there are steps you can take to ensure you keep a safe distance from others. “This might include some awkward but important maneuvers,” she said. For example, you may need to change the side of the street you’re walking on if you see people headed your way — and while that may typically seem rude, health and safety (yours and theirs) takes precedence right now.

Additionally, this is not the time for a power walk with some friends. “You should not meet up with a friend to go for a walk unless you are intentionally keeping a physical distance from each other,” Dr. Bhuyan said. “While it’s hard to comprehend, we know that asymptomatic people might still be carriers of COVID-19 and they can infect others.”

So, stay home to help prevent the spread and save lives — but get some fresh air for sure. Just make sure you’re flying solo or with a furry friend. And remember, if you are walking your dog, try not to let people come up and pet them during this time. While everyone could use some puppy therapy, allowing a stranger to get that close could put you both at risk.