You may have been at home, minimizing contact with people for the last couple of months. But now stay-at-home measures are being lifted in some places. You may be returning to your work environment, or perhaps you just want to get out to a store or restaurant because you have a serious case of cabin fever.

At the same time, it's important to stay safe. How do we re-enter the world safely? We should start slowly. Just because some places are opening back up, does not mean it is safe to go out the same way we used to before COVID-19. If we remain careful and take precautions, we will hopefully keep ourselves, and others, safe and not see a major resurgence of the virus.

1. Wear a mask. Some states have required people to wear masks. Some have gently (or strongly) recommended it. We've been told by some that wearing masks does little to prevent the virus. We've been told by others that there may be at least some protection by doing so. Some people have worn masks religiously. Others have declined, or outright refused. Here's my take. a) It takes very little effort to put a mask on when we're out in public. b) Wearing masks is a good reminder that COVID-19 is still present and we should still be taking precautions, even the small ones. c) Wearing a mask stops us from putting our hands on our nose and mouth (sunglasses and eyeglasses remind us not to touch our eyes, by the way). d) If there is even a slight chance that we could be keeping others around us safe, wouldn't any person who cares about others want to do that? Bottom line, wearing a mask can help us prevent the spread of this virus.

2. Keep your distance. Six feet (preferably more) between people will help prevent the spread of the virus. You may want to hug your friend when you finally see her, but it's probably best to give an 'air hug' for now? Consider the exposures other people might have had. And in addition, of course, avoid crowds.

3. Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer. This too, will remain of great importance. We touch things unthinkingly all day...door handles, light switches, elevator buttons. Properly wash your hands often, especially when you've been in public settings.

4. Keep disinfecting wipes in your car or at your desk to wipe things down. Hand sanitizer in the cup holder of your vehicle will help you remember to use it. We touch an amazing number of things every day, and it is easy to not notice. Imagine every surface that you touch is covered with glitter, and you can only prevent that glitter from getting on everything by using wipes or hand sanitizer.

5. It's ok to say no. You may have friends who want to go out to eat or drink. Even if there are fewer tables placed farther apart, you may not feel comfortable yet going out in groups. That is your right. Until you feel safe doing so, politely decline.

6. How much risk are you willing to take? Perhaps you live in one of those places that is opening back up faster than you feel comfortable with. But you really want your hair cut or your nails done. You must consider what the risk is worth to you and those you live with...as well as the safety procedures that business is applying. If you opt for the salon visit, take all the precautions above to eliminate the possibility of bringing germs home.

7. Avoid non-essential travel, at least for a bit. You may have to travel for work or to assist a family member who lives out-of-town, but if you can, you may want to hold off just a bit on 'fun getaways.' I found this interesting information on the CDC web site:

Air travel: Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights. However, there may be a risk of getting COVID-19 on crowded flights if there are other travelers on board with COVID-19.

Bus or train travel: Sitting or standing within 6 feet of others for a prolonged period of time can put you at risk of getting or spreading COVID-19.

Car travel: The stops you need to make along the way could put you and others in the car with you in close contact with others who could be infected.

RV travel: Traveling by RV means you may have to stop less often for food or bathrooms, but RV travelers typically have to stop at RV parks overnight and other public places to get gas and supplies. These stops may put you and those with you in the RV in close contact with others who could be infected.

It feels more than a little scary to start re-entry into the world after hunkering down at home. We don't know how safe it is. If you are in a high-risk group due to age or a medical condition, consider continuing to stay home if possible. If you are heading back into the world, take as many precautions as you can. Remember, it is not just yourself you are protecting, but also the people around you.

Be healthy. Be smart. Stay safe.

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'Safety applies with equal force to the individual, to the family, to the employer, to the state, the nation and to international affairs. Safety, in its widest sense, concerns the happiness, contentment and freedom of mankind.' --William M. Jeffers, former President, Union Pacific Railroad Co. (1946)

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