Arlington Plan Safer Events To Stop The Spread Of Coronavirus

Press release from the City of Arlington:

January 12, 2021

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we gather with friends and family, as we work to stop the spread. But there are safe ways to visit with people outside your home, especially if you can spend time outdoors.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued the following guidelines for safer event planning.

Outdoor Activities

COVID-19 spreads more easily indoors than outdoors. Studies show that people are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 when they are closer than 6 feet apart from others for longer periods of time.

You are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 when you:

• Attend crowded, poorly ventilated indoor events
• Have close contact with infected people at home

You are less likely to be exposed to COVID-19 when you:

• Attend outdoor activities
• Stay at least 6 feet apart
• Limit the amount of time spent with people who don’t live with you

Indoor Activities

If you want to make indoor activities safer:

• Pick uncrowded, well ventilated places
• Stay at least 6 feet apart
• Wear your mask correctly and consistently
• Limit the amount of time you spend with others

The Centers for Disease Control has also created a guide to help plan safe gatherings.

Indoor and Outdoor Activities

Activity
Outdoor Options (Safer)
Indoor Options (Less Safe)

General Guidance

• Outside, at least 6 feet apart
• If you can’t stay at least 6 feet apart from people who don’t live with you, wear your mask.

• Inside, at least 6 feet apart
• Well ventilated room
• Wearing mask

Exercise

• Run, walk, or bike at your neighborhood park
• Hike on local trails
• Take your dog for a walk around the neighborhood
• Participate in an outdoor yoga class
• Work in the garden

• Exercise at a fitness center
• Walk around the mall during off hours
• Attend a class at a yoga studio
• Swim at your local pool

Dining Out

• Pick up curbside meals
• Get food delivered
• Eat outside at a restaurant where the tables are at least 6 feet apart

• Eat inside at a restaurant

Visiting or Hosting People Who Don't Live with You

• Have a picnic at a park
• Play kickball in a friend’s backyard
• Roast marshmallows by a firepit
• Have an outdoor barbeque

• Watch movies
• Play games
• Chat with your friends

Entertainment Options

• Go to a drive-in
• Listen to an outdoor concert from your car
• Create your own outdoor movie party

• Watch a movie at a theater
• Watch a musical performance
• Watch a play

Things You Can Do to Be Safer

• Wear a mask consistently and correctly over your nose and mouth
• Stay at least 6 feet apart from people who don’t live with you
• Avoid crowds
• Avoid places that are poorly ventilated or crowded
• Wash your hands

Click here for more CDC recommendations on safely gathering while stopping the spread of COVID-19.

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This press release was produced by the City of Arlington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.