How to safely go apple picking this fall during the pandemic
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Our definition of "normal" has certainly changed during 2020. Whether it's going to the gym, shopping at stores, or even simply going to the office, all of our usual activities look a lot different amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. And as we head into the cooler months, many of our favorite fall festivities are also being impacted—including apple picking.
Across the country, pick-your-own orchards and farms are adapting by putting stricter sanitation procedures and new rules in place. Many are operating with reduced capacity, requiring masks and/or temperature checks, and providing pre-paid containers along with hand-washing stations. Others are requiring reservations to pick apples, installing plexiglass shields in high-traffic areas, and not allowing things like tractor rides or picnicking this year.
Despite the precautions taken by farms and orchards, however, there is still some risk if you go apple picking, as there is with any activity that involves being in public or around other people. "Outdoor activities can be less risky than those held indoors, but that doesn't mean the risk is zero," says Dr. Ronald C. Goren, an infectious disease specialist at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also listed apple picking as a "moderate-risk" activity.
Fortunately, however, there are ways you can make apple picking a little bit safer and help mitigate that risk if you're heading to an orchard or farm this season. Below are experts' top tips on enjoying your favorite fall activities safely this year amid the pandemic.
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How to stay safe at an apple orchard
First things first: Practice social distancing by staying six feet apart from others and always wear a face mask, even if the farm doesn't require it. "Wearing your mask and keeping at least six feet distance is like wearing a belt and suspenders – working together to reduce your risk from contact with someone who could be infected with COVID," Dr. Emily Sickbert-Bennett, Director of Infection Prevention at UNC Hospitals, explains. If you're looking for a quality face mask, our experts tested some of the most popular face masks and found these ones from Athleta to be the best in terms of comfort and breathability.
While you're at the farm, wash or sanitize your hands frequently to help prevent the spread of bacteria (use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, per the CDC's recommendations). Dr. Goren also suggests walking instead of taking the hayride out to the orchard and looking for trees/picking areas away from others to limit any potential exposure.
Additionally, while it might be tempting to bite into that juicy red apple you just picked off the tree, it's safest to wait until you get home and properly sanitize your fruit. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises rinsing your freshly-picked produce under running tap water before eating it.
Most importantly, both Dr. Sickbert-Bennett and Dr. Goren also remind people to stay home if they're feeling under-the-weather or experiencing any symptoms. "COVID infection can manifest symptoms differently for different people, and if you aren’t feeling well, then today is not your day to participate in your favorite fall activity in public," Dr. Sickbert-Bennett says.
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This article originally appeared on Reviewed.com: Apple picking during the COVID-19 pandemic: What you need to know
