For so long now people across the UK and the world have had to endure social distancing
measures, lockdowns and isolation. Now restrictions are slowly easing across the UK we are now able to meet with people inside, but with new COVID-19 variants spreading it could be wise to continue to meet people outside where possible.
Meeting outside can come with a range of benefits and reasons why it could still be a good idea. See some considerations below which you may want to consider when you’re planning your next social occasion.
Outdoors is safer
You’ve probably heard it on the television or on the radio but it can be safer to meet outside with people as COVID-19 particles can be blown away. If you are exercising outside and observing social distancing with others, it is also much less likely you will contract COVID-19 when compared to exercising inside where there is no real ventilation.
Touching surfaces inside
Another large part of spreading the virus is where it has landed on a surface from a sneeze, or a cough, or someone else’s touch. Of course when socialising outside the amount of surfaces and things you touch reduces significantly, as well as having the added benefit of the fresh air being able to blow the particles away. However, inside it is a very different story, particles can fall onto surfaces such as tables, cutlery, handles, fabric etc. which someone, including yourself may touch and then contract the virus that way, making socialising inside much more risky than outside.
Other benefits
There is also a huge range of other benefits that being outside can bring to you on a wellbeing level as well as reducing the chance of contracting COVID-19. Some of these include helping to get vitamin D, being outside can help reduce anxiety, it can help you to sleep better at night and can also improve your ability to focus on life tasks.
Care first
If you feel you may need some support, you can contact Care first. Care first is a leading provider of confidential, professional counselling, information and advice services. Whilst our BACP accredited Counsellors are available 24/7 to provide support with emotional issues, our expertly trained Information Specialists are available 8am-8pm Monday-Friday to provide advice on any practical issues that may be causing you a stress or worry and help you feel more in control of a situation.
All employees are eligible to use Care first, our services include; telephone counselling,
information services and online support. Call Care first on the Freephone number provided by your organisation and you can speak to a professional in confidence.
More information
If you would like to view the Webinar on ‘COVID-19: Why it is still a good idea to socialise outside’ is being delivered live on Thursday 8th July at 12:00pm, please use the following link to register for this session –
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6283011178738947088
If you are unable to join the webinar live, a recording of the session can be accessed using the same link above after the webinar has taken place.