COVID-19 Pandemic Activity Risk Level & Precautions

Relevant to Richland County Citizens as of June 5,2020

Question: People are venturing back out into our community. Although every situation is unique, this list is designed to give people a better sense of the risk level of certain activities, and precautions to take to reduce that risk.

QUESTIONRISK LEVELPRECAUTIONS - (Determines Risk Level if followed)
Can I invite people to a picnic/BBQ/small gathering?LowFewer than 10 people; limit contact with people from different households; stay 6 feet apart from other household groups; everyone bring own utensils; limit sharing of food; stay home if sick; outside is safer than inside; high risk individuals should postpone a couple more weeks
Can I go to the water parks?HighDifficult to avoid large groups and close contact; stay 6 feet away from other people as much as possible; minimize touching of surfaces; observe what the water park is doing to help protect you and leave if you don’t feel comfortable; high risk individuals should postpone a couple more weeks at least
Are biking and hiking safe?LowAvoid busy paths; stay 6 feet away from other households; cover face and mouth when passing too close to another biker/hiker/jogger
Can we go boating, ATVing?LowDo not tie onto other boats of people outside your household; stay 6 feet away from people outside your household, even on ATVs; do not gather in groups of more than 10 people
Is it safe to play contact sports (basketball, football, soccer)?HighNobody should engage in any high-contact sports with anyone outside of their household
What about baseball?Medium-highEliminate all but essential contact; no sharing of equipment; no sharing of food or drinks; face coverings when not possible to stay 6 feet away from others (e.g. dugouts); face coverings on field encouraged for those who are able; replace balls frequently; no group celebrations in close contact; maintain 6 feet from people outside your household in bleachers
What about large community gatherings/events?HighGroups more than 10 people in one place, even outside, increase your risk of infection; stay 6 feet away from people outside your household; stay home when sick; wear face covering; high risk individuals should postpone a couple more weeks at least
Can I go to a garage or yard sale?Medium Safety precautions will be difficult to assess; stay 6 feet away from other people; limit your touching of merchandise; disinfect any purchases before placing in your home; do not stop if there are more than 10 people at the sale; high risk individuals should postpone a couple more weeks
Can my kids have play dates?HighImpossible to keep kids apart and not share toys or food; stay home if anyone has any sign of illness; outside is safer than inside
Is swimming OK?LowStay away from tables, chairs and other equipment – bring your own or don’t use; stay 6 feet away from other groups; outside is safer than inside
Are restaurants safe to go to?MediumStay with your small group; stay 6 feet away from other groups; make a reservation and ask what they are doing to protect your safety; observe what the establishment is doing to help protect you and leave if you don’t feel comfortable; use single-use menus; leave if live music is being played or there is dancing; high risk individuals should postpone a couple more weeks
How about bars?HighAlcohol and a lively bar scene can reduce inhibitions and safety precautions of patrons; stay with your small group; stay 6 feet away from other groups of people; ask what they are doing to protect your safety; observe what the establishment is doing to help protect you and leave if you don’t feel comfortable; use single-use menus; leave if live music is being played or there is dancing; high risk individuals should postpone a couple more weeks at least
Can I go listen to live music?HighLive music, including choirs and bands, should be avoided as they generate increased droplets in the air that travel further, and an increase in deep breaths taken in, both of which increase risk of infection
Can I shop at the stores that just reopened?MediumStay 6 feet away from other people; observe what the store is doing to help protect you and leave if you don’t feel comfortable; limit unnecessary touching of merchandise; wear a face covering; ask employees about their precautions; high risk individuals should postpone a couple more weeks
Can I go to the movies?MediumGroups of more than 10 people in one place increase your risk of infection; stay 6 feet away from all people outside your household; stay home when sick; wear face covering; do not share food or drink; do not self-serve food or drink; outside is better than inside; high risk individuals should postpone a couple more weeks at least
Can I visit elderly relatives?HighOlder people with chronic conditions are at very high risk; wear face covering; stay 6 feet away with no physical contact; stay home if not feeling well; long-term care facilities do not allow most visitors
What about salons and other personal care services?HighMake an appointment and ask what they are doing to protect your safety; stay in your car until they are ready for you; wear a face covering when possible; make sure employees are wearing masks or face shields; wash your hands before the appointment and make sure employee washes theirs; observe what the establishment is doing and leave if you don’t feel comfortable; high risk individuals should postpone a couple more weeks at least
Can I go to church or other faith-based services?MediumStay with your household group; stay 6 feet away from other groups; avoid all physical contact; do not share group fellowship after services; do not share food or drink; leave if live music is being performed; high risk individuals should postpone a couple more weeks
Can I go to the gym?MediumDisinfect surfaces of all equipment before you use it; observe what the gym is doing to help protect you and leave if you don’t feel comfortable; stay 6 feet away from other people; do not do a class with more than 10 people in a room; outside exercise is a safer alternative; high risk individuals should postpone a couple more weeks
Is it safe to go to greenhouses and nurseries?Medium Outside is safer than inside; stay 6 feet away from other people; wear a face covering; ask employees about their precautions; observe what the greenhouse is doing to help protect you and leave if you don’t feel comfortable; avoid touching merchandise unless purchasing; high risk individuals should postpone a couple more weeks
Is it safe to go to the doctor or get vaccines for my child?LowAsk what they are doing to protect your safety when you make your appointment; you should be required to be screened when you arrive; procedures like immunizations are not high risk; wait in your car until they’re ready for you; wear face covering and make sure your provider also wears a mask; postpone non-essential services, especially high-risk individuals
Can I go to the dentist?HighAsk what they are doing to protect your safety when you make your appointment; you should be required to be screened when you arrive; hold off on routine cleanings and only go for urgent issues; make sure all staff is wearing face masks and the person working on your teeth has a face shield; high-risk individuals should postpone non-emergency services

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