The Taste of Chicago, Chosen Few Picnic, Movies in the Park, Ravinia, Silver Room Block Park Party, Hyde Park Brew Fest, Jazz Fest, Blues Fest, and more could be canceled if residents do not heed the mayors call to stay home. As a lifelong Chicagoan, I look forward to #SummertimeChi every year. The weekends are filled with times with friends and family at BBQs, cookouts, and the abundance of neighborhood festivals. I want to enjoy my summer, but we all have to do our part.
Staying home and practicing social distancing is a small sacrifice to make to ensure that our lives return to some semblance of normalcy this summer. There are things we can do to ensure Chicago “flattens the curve” when it comes to combating the Coronavirus pandemic.
- Practice good hygiene
- Soap and water are your best defenses against the coronavirus. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds in warm to hot water and dry thoroughly. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an anti-bacterial hand sanitizer.
- Build up your immune system
- Take your vitamins and eat plenty of green vegetables. Having a robust immune system is another defense against the coronavirus.
- Take your vitamins and eat plenty of green vegetables. Having a robust immune system is another defense against the coronavirus.
- Order online and avoid going to stores
- Instacart, Postmates, Grub Hub, Uber Eats are available to deliver groceries, toiletries, food, and even liquor to your homes. Use them and avoid crowds and lines at stores. Other grocery stores and specialty stores are also offering delivery services; many are including discounts and other offers such as free or discounted delivery.
- Exercise at home
- Most gyms are closed but are offering free on-demand services to workout at home. Utilize them, stay fit while practicing social distancing.
- Postpone all non-essential appointments
- This means your beauty, spa, nail salon, and barbershop appointments.
- For now, say NO to social gatherings and home parties.
- Host online parties and get-togethers to stay connected with family and friends. Use technology to stay connected. Netflix is even offering a “Netflix party extension,” where you can enjoy shows and movies on Netflix with friends online. Go for a Get creative while helping to slow the spread.
- Support and shop small business from the comfort of your home.
- Many small businesses are offering delivery services, so you can still support them economically while practicing social distancing.
- If you have to go out to pick up medications, etc., keep 6-8 feet of distance.
- Clean, get organized, and Catch up on those home projects while at the house.
- Now is the time to purge items, spring clean, or complete that home improvement project you’ve been putting off.
- Practice social distancing at work
- If you are a resident that has to go to work during this time, keep your distance from others. Wipe down your phones and office equipment daily with disinfectant wipes. Conduct meetings and client calls virtually.
Imagine if all the residents of the city did this for a minimum of 2-4 weeks. We could reduce the spread of this virus significantly. Doing so would ensure that our favorite summertime activities would still go ahead as planned. I can’t speak for everyone, but after surviving this pandemic, I am looking forward to enjoying my summer now more than ever.
For more on the Coronavirus Pandemic and social distancing, please visit www.chicago.gov/coronavirus. This website is updated daily, if not more, for the most up to date information.
-Danielle Sanders, Contributing Writer