Taking a walk during this shelter-in-place period is now a big deal that takes preparation, safety measures and decompression, especially in crowded urban areas. We’re told to “stay home” — yet we’re encouraged to go for walks to get fresh air and sunshine and a bit of exercise. We’re told to stay at least six feet from others when we do go out. This is super tricky for anyone living in a crowded urban area, especially when local parks are closed, like in Chicago where the beaches are closed by temporary fencing, police-do-not-cross tape and the Chicago police in paddy wagons ready to pick up violators.
I live in the heart of downtown Chicago. I’ve braved two walks this past week. After all, it’s May and when the temperatures finally creep up to the 70’s, you can’t keep me in, no matter how much of a hassle it is – and it is a hassle – but worth it.
PREP, PREP, PREP!
Since after being in the outside world, we immediately take off everything we’re wearing or carrying almost before we get in the door to our condo, which is then going to be immediately laundered in at least warm water, it pays to think carefully about what you’ll wear. Since it will be washed in warm or hot water, it could shrink, so you may not want to wear your favorite tight jeans. Logos may break off and come off of your favorite tee shirts laundered in searing hot water. So dress accordingly: in something that you don’t mind shrinking a bit. Of course, after being at home probably eating more and not exercising enough, one might be surprised that even our looser clothes feel tighter now!
A nice purse may be difficult to wash when you get back, so instead, consider using a cloth tote that can easily be thrown in the washer along with the rest of your clothes upon arriving home. Because it’s difficult to find things that fall to the bottom of a tote bag, my husband and I use his-and-hers plastic baggies for our individual items. It’s easy to pull out a plastic bag from the tote in public and quickly see and access what’s needed.
Shoes get contaminated, so don’t walk around your place in shoes you also wear out – in fact, you never should. This is especially important if you have pets or children. When you plan your walk, you probably won’t want to wear your snazziest shoes because once you get home, you’re either going to throw them in the washing machine or spray the hell out of them with a disinfectant spray for whatever type of material they are then let them sit and air out.
Also remember that if the virus gets on metal and plastic, it can remain dangerous a long time, so you may want to leave off the jewelry, even wedding bands and engagement rings.
A head covering is recommended, simply because of the hang-time of the virus and the fact some doctors say six feet isn’t enough of a safe distance! And if it’s at all breezy out, you may be downwind of someone who has the virus and may be wearing a hair product on that could attract and hold germs and other things in the air.
In fact, if it’s windy or raining, this is not a safe time to go for a walk. Why? Consider this: A sneeze can travel over 100 mph, and rain can rain down germs and cause them to be bounced off surfaces and back into the air.
If you’re not used to being out of the house and don’t usually get natural sunlight, you may feel like a mole coming out of hibernation. Bring your sunglasses, even if you don’t think you’ll need them, because you may feel more comfortable with them and you shouldn’t squint. In any case, the eyes are a mucous membrane area that can intake the virus, so wearing some kind of eye-wear can help protect you.
No matter how tasty your last meal was, that’s what you’ll eventually smell in your face mask. So make sure you brush your teeth, floss, gargle with mouthwash (non-alcoholic so it won’t dry your mouth out, which is no good for a walk). Still, what you ate can still come back to haunt your breath eventually, especially if you had a tasty meal with garlic and onions. So if you carry your favorite breath-freshener, you’ll be glad you did.
In Chicago and many places, face masks are required, most notably when going into a place of business or where social distancing is not possible. Since people are still out and about (though surprisingly sparse for such a toddling town as Chicago usually is, especially as summer approaches), social distancing on the sidewalks or even in parks is not always possible. So be ready: have that mask on as you walk out the door so you won’t have to struggle to get your mask on in a hurry.
If you have seasonal allergies, it may be a good idea to pop an allergy pill before leaving the house and, if you’re asthmatic or have any form of COPD, using your inhaler.
Pack hand sanitizer, plenty of water and go to the bathroom right before you leave so you won’t have to use a public facility.
OUTSIDE THE SAFETY OF HOME
Don’t touch anything that’s not absolutely necessary to touch and if you do, wear gloves. You’ll probably encounter door knobs, elevator buttons while going in and out. If you live in a low to mid-rise building and you’re fit enough to do so (or you want to get fit and don’t have an underlying health condition that would contraindicate it), avoid the elevators; take the stairs. Contrary to popular belief, walking down steps has its benefits just as walking upstairs does.
Wearing a mask holds in moist heat, so you may want to dress a bit lighter than usual or in layers you can remove to compensate, because the longer you walk, the more you’re going to start feeling that extra heat. Your mask should cover the nose and mouth and contain more than one layer, preferably a filter. If you don’t have a mask, use a bandanna.
Getting out into open areas where there’s no one nearby is difficult in urban areas, but wonderful once you do. Find a park, carefully take down your mask – without touching your face of course! — if you feel safe doing so, and breathe in the air. Even city air can be fresh and fragrant, especially in springtime when things are blooming – and currently, there’s less traffic pollution. We noticed wonderful Earth, grass and flower scents in Grant Park this weekend.
If the sidewalks are too crowded or someone coming toward you on a narrow walkway, especially if they’re not wearing a mask, consider crossing the street or even walking in the street. Watch out for vehicles, though: folks are driving faster lately and may not be used to watching out for pedestrians.
DECONTAMINATE / DECOMPRESS
You may be surprised how easily you tire or your legs may be sore. Still, go the “extra mile” and walk upstairs to your place if you can instead of taking the elevator which poses several potential virus risks. A trick I use is crossing over when I come to each new floor to give myself a bit of a breather when I get too winded or fatigued to continue. This involves touching door knobs, so keep your gloves on until you get into your place.
As much as possible out of sight of neighbors, you may want to take off your outer clothes outside of your place, and this should certainly include your shoes. Don’t put a bunch of stuff on the floor where a pet will walk or may run up to sniff. Have a designated area for anything that was exposed while outdoors, then wash everything exposed shortly after getting indoors; then after moving those things, remember to disinfect that area.
Wash your hands and any skin that was exposed, which would probably be your face; in fact, taking a shower would be ideal. Remember not to touch your pet until you’ve washed your hands.
If you find yourself coughing slightly, sneezing or with stuffy nose, don’t freak. If you were super careful, you likely didn’t contract the virus. Remember this is allergy season.
Now relax and disconnect from pandemic stress, turning your full attention to something pleasant and enjoying your home-sweet-home.
*****
Fresh air, sunlight, seeing the vast stretch of sky and all the blossoming beauty springtime brings: These are important to humans. Pandemic or not, enjoy your walk!
MetroMermaid Chicago 
The pictures of Chicago reminded me of my trip I took few years ago, fabulous as always
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