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

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.