As the weather continues to get warmer and people desire to spend more time outside, the Dallas County Health Department reminds everyone to still be wary of the COVID-19 threat.

Health Navigator Ann Cochran emphasizes that the virus can spread in warm weather or cold, and that it’s still as contagious now as it was in March when the pandemic arrived in Iowa. With that in mind, she urges social distancing to continue while people are spending more time outside their homes. “It’s important for people, as things like ball games are starting up, don’t sit side-by-side with friends on the bleachers just because you haven’t seen them for a long time. You still need to keep distance, and if you’re in a situation where you’re up close to somebody, again put on a face mask.”

In addition to that advice, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends cleaning public playground equipment before and after using it, and to avoid large team sport activities like pick-up basketball games. Cochran adds, though the peak of the outbreak may have passed, there’s still a possibility for the virus to have a resurgence if the public isn’t exercising caution. To learn more about how public health is currently dealing with COVID-19, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.