In most places most COVID restrictions have been lifted by now letting us get back closer to what was once normal. Here in Oregon masks are still required in health care environments, including pharmacies as well as hospitals, clinics, doctor and dentist offices but not for other locations. However, as new COVID cases increase there is currently talk of reinstating mask requirements indoors. Fortunately that hasn't happened yet (mid-July) but it if the number of cases picks up again, we could see more restrictions. I have been somewhat annoyed to see people without masks stand with a sign right at eye level telling them masks are required in that facility while all the workers and most of the people in line with them are properly wearing masks. Yes, I know, the masks are a nuisance and inconvenience, but everyone really should make an effort to comply with posted regulations. Think about it: where are you most likely to encounter people with illnesses, including COVID? Of course the answer is in health care settings!
Masks are no longer required for most outdoor activities. That is excellent news for campers and boaters! For the most part we can once again enjoy our outdoor recreational activities without restrictions on the number of people in our group or having to wear face masks. I recall a while back when there were numerical restrictions on the size of gatherings I heard an amusing story. Since normal gatherings were limited to 10 people but the limit for funerals was 30, one creative guy listed his Thanksgiving feast as a funeral for his pet turkey, allowing him to invite more than 10 people! O admired his creativity!
With restrictions being eased, the number of COVID cases is peaking again in many areas. If we want to reduce the chances of getting COVID, we still need to be on guard. Avoid contact with anyone who has or is suspected to have COVID. Maintain social distancing, even in out door situations. Wearing an ordinary mask helps prevent you from giving COVID to someone else if you happen to have it. Wearing a KN95 mask actually provides you some protection as well. Even before COVID we wore KN95 masks as EMRs in our volunteer fire department when responding to medical calls where we could be exposed to any number of airborne or bloodborn infections.
If you believe you have COVID you should still quarantine yourself until you are safe to be around. Initial quarantine for travelers was 14 days after returning from out of country or out of state but more recently it was lowered to 3 days. Home COVID tests provided by the government let you find out right away if those unpleasant flu-like symptoms you might be having are actually COVID. If you have COVID symtpoms, stay away from other people! You would not want to responsible for giving COVID to any of your family or friends.
COVID vaccines are working to reduce the number of deaths and hospitalizations from COVID. The COVID vaccine may not completely guarantee you won't get COVID, but it is still a good idea to get it. I know of a number of people who were fully vaccinated and had the booster shot and still got COVID. However, their cases were much less onerous than unvaccinated victims. They did not require hospitalization and recovered quickly. I realize there are people who object the the vaccinations for legitimate religious or personal reasons. However, I strongly urge everyone who can to get vaccinated to help reduce the chances of getting infected, to minimize the affects if you do get it, and to help reduce the overall spread of the disease.
The Bottom Line: we should be able to go camping, boating, off-roading, and enjoy most of our favorite outdoor activities without wearing masks, at least for the time being, which is a very good thing!
Camp COVID Free!
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