With the arrival of summer and states easing restrictions it is important to remember that COVID-19 is still here. It has been implemented in our brain that we are all in this together. The season of summer provides hope that the days are longer, more activities can be conducted and more and more testing is conducted to help stop the spread of COVID-19. It may be a bummer how many concerts, large gatherings, and other festivals are cancelled due to the pandemic, but it is important to stay positive. The bottom line is there are still ways to enjoy summer and stay safe during this global health crisis.

To start off, the first legitimate rule is to know that you can have fun. With stores and restaurants opening up do not tell yourself to not enjoy these places if you want to go out during the summer. The only rule is to be cautious. If you see overcrowding go to a different restaurant or store. In the spring many of the stores and restaurants were closed but with the number of COVID cases starting to decrease you can start to enjoy these activities at your own risk.

In terms of being entertained there are other ways for having fun without the concerts and festivals. The outdoors is safe and you can grab a few close friends and family and do a bonfire. Just be sure to not make it a large gathering. You can even go camping in the wilderness as well and continue to be outside active. Another amenity to do and enjoy this summer is to stargaze and catch fireflies. Outdoor barbeques are permitted as well but just always be cautious. Some of these activities can really keep your mind off of things.

The summer of 2020 before the pandemic hit was not something you had in mind. Be sure to recognize this and know how the virus has affected all of our summer plans. The best piece of advice I would like to give is to be grateful how we still have many things to do this summer and the summer of 2021 or when this virus is over is a time to really celebrate a milestone of hardships.