Don’t let your guard down yet

By CJ Blomquist

OptumCare

With indoor dining returning and vaccines available, it may feel as if things are slowly returning to normal. But don’t get too comfortable! COVID-19 is still around, and everyone needs to do their part to stay healthy. If you’re longing for a social life, keep up with the original recommendations on how to stay social while staying away.

Call up old friends. Just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you have to avoid people. This is a great time to catch up with friends you haven’t spoken to in a while.

Use FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or another video-chat platform. Need to see some friendly faces? If you have a smartphone or tablet, it’s a great time to explore how these technologies work.

Plan for the future. Catching up with friends and family is going to be much-needed after being cooped up. Start creating some fun reunion ideas for 2022.

We all need to get out of the house at some point, but plan to do so safely.

Go for a walk. With the weather warming up, now is the perfect time to come up with a daily walking routine. Continue to wear a facemask.

Go to dinner. After a long year spent at home, going to a restaurant is a treat. To be safe, be strategic: Go at times when restaurants aren’t as busy, and opt for outdoor dining whenever possible. You can go with a friend or two, as long as everyone has been vaccinated.

See family—safely. If you already have both your COVID19 vaccine doses and have waited the recommended 14 days, you can see family in person. But don’t see a lot of people at once. Spend some time with a few family members; it’s a way to get more quality time with each person.

If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, now is the time! Leisure World is continuing to hold vaccine clinics; be sure to register via www.lwsb.com/vaccine. The sooner everyone is protected against COVID-19, the sooner life will get back to normal.

Video chat with friends who haven't been vaccinated yet.