Staying Safe This Summer as the World Reopens

The COVID-19 pandemic is slowly becoming less of a threat, but the world has not seen the last of COVID-19 yet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even with vaccines, the point of reaching herd immunity is unknown, and we need to continue taking precautions to keep ourselves safe. 

How To Stay Safe if You Are Not Fully Vaccinated

For those who haven’t had the opportunity to get vaccinated yet, the CDC offers the following tips to help keep you safe from COVID-19.

• Wear a mask. Any time you are in public or with others who do not live in your household, be sure to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Legally, masks are still required on public transportation, in airports, and in government buildings in all 50 states. 
• Stay six feet away from others. In public, in buildings, and in households that are not your own, keeping your distance is imperative to protecting yourself from COVID-19. Even when you are outdoors, keeping your distance is still important. 
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated buildings. This helps ensure that you do not get too close to others or breathe recycled air from those who could be ill. 
• Wash your hands. And wash them often, especially before eating, touching your face, etc. Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not immediately available. 
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
• Clean and disinfect. Clean all common household areas, including doorknobs and sink handles. Car doors and steering wheels should be cleaned regularly as well. 
• Monitor your health. Make sure that you continue feeling well and aren’t displaying any symptoms of COVID-19. 
• Get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others.
• Quarantine if exposed. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or you have been exposed, you should self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days and monitor your symptoms. After quarantine, you should get tested to be sure that you do not have COVID-19 and are not a threat to others.

How To Stay Safe if You Are Fully Vaccinated

If you are fully vaccinated, your chances of staying safe this summer have certainly improved! You are considered “fully vaccinated” if you have completed both doses of your COVID-19 vaccine, and it has been two weeks since your final shot. The CDC now provides updated guidelines for those who are considered fully vaccinated:

• Indoor public spaces: Continue to wear a mask indoors, as it helps keep you and others safe. If you find out that you were exposed to COVID-19, you do not have to self-isolate if you are fully vaccinated. 
• Indoor private spaces: With family and friends, you can get within six feet of people at any age and any vaccination status. You do not need to wear a mask at indoor private gatherings unless your friend/family member is at high risk and asks you to. 
• Outdoor public spaces: You do not need to wear a mask in outdoor public spaces. However, if you are in a crowded venue or can’t maintain a proper distance from others, it is advised to wear a mask. 
• If you’re traveling: You should still wear a mask in public transportation areas, airports, and government buildings. You do not need to quarantine after traveling if you are fully vaccinated. You may resume your normal activities if you have returned from traveling. For those traveling internationally, you need to check the COVID-19 situation where you’re going, but you don’t need to quarantine when you get back to the United States. 
• If you’re exposed to COVID-19: If you’re fully vaccinated and find out that you’ve been exposed, you don’t need to quarantine or self-isolate. 

How Do We Get Past COVID?

There are many theories about getting “back to normal” and the best ways to achieve this outcome. But according to scientists, COVID-19 is still here to stay for a while. This is not meant to be discouraging, but it is essential to stay safe and always be cognizant of your own health and the health of others.  

Vaccines are currently our best hope for helping the world get “back to normal” as soon as possible. Vaccines are safe, effective, and meant to help fewer people get sick, so we have fewer variants of the virus. If you haven’t had a chance to get your vaccine yet, visit Vaccines.gov to find available vaccines near you. Working together, we can keep ourselves and our neighbors safe.

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on families, communities, businesses, the economy, and the mental health of millions of people. We all mourn the loss of what was “normal” before the pandemic and mourn for those who lost their lives to COVID-19. Although it may seem hopeless for us to move past COVID-19, you don’t have to give up yet. If you are struggling with substance abuse amid the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, you are not alone — and we want to help. At RECO Intensive, we offer treatment plans catered specifically to you, with your needs and safety in mind. Our professional staff and experienced alumni are here to help you get back into RECOvery and thriving again, despite the pandemic’s many implications. We can help you through this as an inpatient, outpatient, or member of our sober living community. Call RECO Intensive today at (561) 464-6533. Let’s get back to a brighter future.