It’s a good thing summer is coming because research is showing that you are less likely to contract COVID-19 when outdoors. While we still should maintain six feet distances from others and make sure not to hang out in large crowds, groups of up to 10 people might be able to start seeing each other again come May 30th. If that happens, we still have a responsibility to slow the spread of the virus, and that means doing our part by keeping our distance. And the safest way to do that? Outside, in fact.
It makes sense when you think about it. Fresh air circulates better outside than in a stale, indoor environment. And when you cram a group of 10 people in a room, it’s hard to keep a six-foot distance, rendering yourself and others vulnerable to contracting the airborne virus. Here are a few outdoor ways to get outside around Chicago, while practicing social distancing, once the stay-at-home order starts to loosen.
Tee off at a golf course
It’s that time of year again and it’s like the one thing we can still do. You can tee off at golf courses all over Illinois with the squad this summer.
Explore an empty Chicago
We are not encouraging anyone to form large gatherings anywhere, but the empty streets of Chicago must look pretty eerie right about now. A stroll downtown sounds kinda cool, and a great time for a photoshoot when no one’s in your shot. Keep your masks on! Makes for a dope pic anyway.
Stroll through the park
The Chicago Park District created a handy map for residents to easily identify which parks are closed and which are open through the pandemic. Many are closed, and all amenities, like basketball hoops and tennis nets, have been removed until close-contact sports are deemed safe again, but there are a few exceptions.
Take a hike
While Chicago might not be known for its hiking, our neighbors are, and there are plenty of preserves still open to the public outside of Cook County. Make sure to wear a mask, especially if you’re bringing a few people along. 
Bring Happy Hour outside
Some of your favorite Chicago bartenders have been doing virtual Happy Hour every week all quarantine. And now that the weather is finally warm, time to crack open a cold one with the boys outside.
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Don’t have great lighting at home? There’s nothing like natural sunlight to make a quality video. They say the TikTok algorithm favors videos you can actually, you know, see.