With the advent of quarantine fatigue and with the support for stay-at-home orders dwindling, states are starting to reopen their economies despite the fact that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. While the ideal situation for containing the spread of the new coronavirus is for people to continue to stay home, that ideal is now changing to risk management and harm reduction as economies slowly reopen.

Here are some guidelines for staying safe as you navigate the reopening:

• Outdoor activities are the safest—If the option for doing an activity outdoors is available, then that is best. It’s easier to maintain 6 feet of distance, and increased air circulation helps prevent viral transmission.
• Practice proper hygiene—Wash your hands regularly with soap and water before, during, and after an outing. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Use a mask or cloth face covering when out—This is mostly to protect people from asymptomatic carriers. It is most effective when everyone wears a mask while in public to avoid spreading their own germs.
• Avoid crowded settings—Proximity and density are proving to be two major harbingers of coronavirus spreading. Even when you are outdoors, it’s a good idea to avoid crowded beaches, parks, and other areas.
• Avoid touching shared surfaces—When you go to the park, avoid touching benches, slides, water fountains, etc. At the very least, wipe down surfaces with a disinfectant before touching.
• Take as few trips as possible—The fewer trips you take outside the house, the less risk you have of running into someone who is spreading the virus.

If you are in a high-risk group such as those over 65 or those with chronic conditions, you obviously need to be extra vigilant.

For any problems you are having with your feet and ankles, be sure to make an appointment with your podiatrist. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Kathleen Pyatak-Hugar, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.