Virginia Beaches Potentially Opening Up Soon & We’re Here To Help If Needed!
Today Gov. Ralph Northam is expected to make an announcement regarding what, if anything, can be done to reopen Virginia’s beaches before Memorial Day.
Under the governor’s current stay at home order, beaches in Virginia are only open for fitness activities. People can walk and run on the beach, fish and even swim, but they can’t pull out chairs, umbrellas and blankets and spend all day sunbathing.
On Friday, Northam said he was consulting with officials in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton and other localities to draft new guidelines for beach access. He said he expected to have a comprehensive plan ready by today, but gave no other details. Following the governor’s announcement, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer said he was hopeful the city could open its beaches by Memorial Day.
We know many people are anxiously awaiting the ability to enjoy time on the beach, but we also want people to practice a level of caution if doing so. Here are some quick tips from radio.com if you plan to take advantage of some time on the beach once the restriction is lifted:
- Follow and Respect Rules and Guidelines – Beach rules may differ from state to state and even town to town. Be sure to know guidelines and restrictions ahead of time. Some beaches that have reopened have a laundry list of restrictions including shortened hours in place and mask requirements. Beaches in Virginia are currently prohibiting sunbathing, chairs, coolers and gatherings of large groups. Parking will also remain shut down in an effort to minimize crowds and encourage only local residents and not out-of-towners to have access.
- Be Cautious When Swimming – Experts acknowledge that waterborne transmission of the virus is not impossible but it’s highly unlikely. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, water play areas, spa, or hot tubs. Public places where people can go into the water should disinfect the water with chlorine and bromine. However, there’s always the chance that it could happen.
- Charles Gerba, Ph.D., professor of virology and environmental science at University of Arizona in Tucson told ConsumerReports that if an infected person gets their saliva or mucus in the water, the virus can enter through your eyes, nose or mouth. It’s important to note that despite the possibility, it’s highly unlikely as it would need to be a high concentration. There’s also no evidence as to how long the virus can live in freshwater.
- Gerba explains coronaviruses that cause the common cold survive up to three days. “We don’t have studies on seawater, but usually viruses survive for less time in salt water,” he says. Experts also advise proper hand hygiene prior to and after visiting the beach.
- Wear Masks When Necessary – Currently, the CDC has ruled that people should opt to wear face coverings “in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.” Thus, if you are heading to a public and potentially crowded beach or park, wearing a mask is advised. If you can practice safe social distancing, you don’t have to wear a mask, but you should have one with you on hand should the situation call for it.
- William Schaffner, M.D., professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn., and medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, told ConsumerReports that the wind at the beach might help diffuse virus particles and says much of the infection is transmitted indoors.
- Don’t Count on Public Facilities – If you frequent the bathroom often, you may want to skip going to the beach or limit your time there because restrooms will not be available. Facilities and concessions stands will likely remain closed. The surfaces such as doorknobs, toilet handles, faucets, increase are the perfect place for the virus to live and increase a person’s odds of picking up the virus and spreading it. Plus, they would increase congestion that would make social distancing impossible.
- Safety 101 Is Still Important – Coronavirus safety might cause us to forget basic safety and beach etiquette. Even if there are lifeguards on duty, swim responsible and close to the shore or the “safe-zone.” Also be sure to protect your skin from the sun by using sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying every 2 hours or after swimming. Sunblock should also be worn on your entire face even if you wear a mask as it’s unlikely to protect you from the sun, according to says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
In the event you need assistance with getting your body beach-ready or if you have any questions or would like to book a secure video consultation with our office, call us today or fill out the form on this page to set up your appointment.
We look forward to your visit and thank you for trusting us to care for you.
We are approaching this time with Recommended Guidance not Fear!
Please stay safe and practice healthy choices, Thank you for your cooperation
Dr. Alspaugh: Associates In Plastic Surgery Inc.
Sources:
- https://www.pilotonline.com/news/health/vp-nw-beaches-reopen-20200518-kfqakxq5zbabpa6dqjptiz74gy-story.html
- https://www.radio.com/news/safety-tips-for-going-to-the-beach-during-covid-19
