The 5 best beaches in the world 1:01
Editor's Note: As
the pandemic continues, CNN does not advise people to engage in these activities.
However, if you are going to do them, there are ways to mitigate the risks.
People who are already fully vaccinated, of course, have a much lower risk of catching and transmitting the coronavirus than those who have not yet been vaccinated.
CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen advises you to keep this in mind when making decisions about what to do.
(CNN) -
Summer is just around the corner and more people are getting vaccinated against covid-19.
With that scenario in mind, you may be wondering if it is safe to go to the beach.
Even for people who have already been fully vaccinated, "nothing is going to be 100% safe, just like nothing is going to have a 100% risk," explains Dr. Leana Wen, CNN medical analyst, emergency physician and visiting professor at CNN. Health Policy and Management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health.
However, beaches "are much safer than other environments because they are outdoors," he says.
"We have not seen that (the coronavirus) can spread in water," said Dr. Ada Stewart, a family physician at Cooperative Health in Columbia, South Carolina, and president of the American Academy of Physicians in Family.
Before going to the beach
Whether you're at the beach alone or with fully vaccinated family or friends, Stewart added, having a zone of your own to relax is helping reduce risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you always check local government, health officials, and beach regulations before you go.
Those who manage the beaches may require reservations and / or establish limited capacity.
Plus, arrive "ready to swim" by having showered and changed at home first.
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They ask vacationers not to lower their guard against covid-19 2:54
At times when you need to be closer to other people, for example when you go to the bathroom or a food stall, wear a mask, carry hand sanitizer and wash your hands.
The CDC has advised beach managers to ensure that there is sufficient equipment for visitors, such as chairs and other supplies, and that everything is cleaned on a regular basis.
However, bringing hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray or wipes might be helpful to clean the equipment yourself.
What happens if the mask gets wet?
Recommendations so that you are safe on the beach
If you have to shower or rinse on the beach, try to keep a physical distance from others or enter the area when it is not crowded.
Bring an extra mask in case the first one gets wet: According to the CDC, wet masks are less effective.
And don't wear the mask in the water, as a wet mask can also make it harder to breathe.
4 reasons not to stop using a mask even when vaccinated 0:43
Stay away from people who don't live with you, both on the sand and in the water.
Avoid crowds and closed areas with poor ventilation.
Usually the coronavirus spreads through droplets from the breath during close physical contact, so Wen is more concerned about what happens "if people leave the beach and end up going to the bar."
Even if people keep their distance in places like inside bars and restaurants, it is better to wear a mask if you are sharing the air.
If you are thinking of taking a long beach getaway, plan ahead what snacks, meals and drinks you will enjoy, and where and how you will do it.
Outdoor restaurants and bars are ideal, Wen says.
