Summer 2020: Is It Actually Cancelled?

You've tried your hand at billion new recipes or ordered from just about every takeout place around the block. You've redecorated your place and actually enjoy being home and have mastered a couple of the skills that were always stuck at the bottom of the to-do list. You've marathoned every show, movie, and documentary on Netflix and convinced yourself that getting out of bed is enough exercise since summer won't be coming around this year. Or will it?

Thanks the the guidance of our health officials and service workers, as well as the precautionary measures taken all around, BC recently rolled out Phase 2 of its Restart Plan. With record temperature highs coming around this weekend in Vancouver, a lot of us are likely questioning what is and isn't safe for the time being.

Tips for beyond your home:

RESTAURANTS/SERVICES - The food and beverage industry is quickly starting up with strict guidelines in place and new setups. Most places will have limited seating and may even require mandatory reservations with restricted hours, so check well in advance to avoid an unfruitful trip across town. For contact tracing purposes, many facilities are required to record your personal information, such as name or phone number, so be sure you're comfortable with the practice before accessing their services. Service workers are still very much at risk, so consider taking precautionary measures such as using protective equipment and avoiding close contact beyond gear that they have on premise.

BEACHES/HIKING TRAILS/OPEN SPACES - Park and hiking facilities have opened up to the general public once again, but parking restrictions are still in place at certain locations. Check on the status when planning for a trip, and while it may be tempting to crowd into open spaces as the weather warms up, ensure that you are staying the advised two metres away from other groups and keeping your own group to a reasonable size of two to six people. Campgrounds and parks are opening up for reservations, but try to stay as close to home as possible to limit any possibility of transmission.

HOSTING AT HOME: - It's the time of year for home gatherings, barbeques, and house parties, which you should aim to limit to close friends and family who are not showing signs of sickness. Clean out and sterilize your place before and after having groups over, as well as suggest the use of frequent handwashing, sanitization, and limit physical contact.

FESTIVALS/CELEBRATIONS/LARGE GATHERINGS: - Plans and schedules for large gatherings are yet on hold until rates of transmission and infection stabilize. While this may be a disappointment for many of us who had expectations for travelling, concerts, and graduation celebrations, make the most of this time by connecting with specific individuals and close groups who you might've been too busy to catch up with, or check in with a long-distance friend who you haven't spoken with in a while. Community goes beyond any physical borders, and it's all the more important in these trying times.

It appears summer won't be abandonning us altogether this year, but be careful to take care of yourselves and the people around you as it begins to roll in!