Since COVID-19 restrictions in Iowa began to be lifted, more and more people are taking advantage of the opportunity to be outside. However, health officials remind the public that the virus is still a threat, so they need to continue taking protective measures.

Dallas County Health Department Health Navigator Ann Cochran says this is especially true with areas like parks and playgrounds, with the possibility of several children from different households coming together. “One of the things that we continue to caution people (about) is, you need to think of anyone who is not right in your own household as someone who potentially can spread the virus to you. So on the playgrounds, please help your children to remember they cannot run up to their playmates and have close face-to-face encounters. They need to keep their distance. Also, you need to make sure that you have a bottle of hand sanitizer with you, and as soon as your children are done playing on the playground equipment, help them to wash their hands really well.”

Cochran also advises parents to do their own social distancing when taking their kids to parks, meaning they shouldn’t gather on one bench to chat unless they’re wearing face coverings. She reminds people that they can do everything right for months, but one day of carelessness can result in contracting or spreading the virus. To learn more about this and other COVID-19 topics, click the link below to listen to the recent Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Cochran.

https://www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2020/06/23/lets-talk-dallas-county-6-23-2020-ann-cochran/