#ASKBONNIE: 5 Safe Activities for Phase 5
June 29, 2021
Hey Bonnie,
Lately, I’ve been really scared about returning “back to normal” with things opening back up and all. I’m really worried about people rushing back to restaurants, bars, vacations, and music festivals(!??)!! There is lingering uncertainty about the risks of going into spaces (especially unmasked!!). I feel alone in feeling these fears. What do you think? What are ways that you would recommend in helping people like me find comfortability amid reopening? Do you have any advice for cool ways we can ask our friends to hang out while still maintaining safe practices and social distancing?
Sincerely,
Worried Willie
Dear Willie,
I really feel what you’re saying! I’ve been very worried about Chicago’s Phase 5 reopening, too. To be honest, it’s not safe for unvaccinated people at all, and it really goes to show that Lori Lightfoot and all forms of government in the US value profit and capital over people’s lives.
I’m so happy that here in Chicago, the vaccine has been relatively accessible. However, only 49.2% of people in Illinois are fully vaccinated. While some outdoor activities and small gatherings may be safe for vaccinated people to participate in, a majority of people in Chicago are still able to get very sick from COVID-19! Meanwhile, the Delta variant of Covid is going around and creates very severe symptoms—even in those that are vaccinated. We need to keep our neighbors safe!
Even people who are vaccinated can still contract and spread covid. Vaccinated people might not get sick, but unmasked, they could spread covid to an unvaccinated person at said bar, restaurant, or music festival. It’s incredibly important that vaccinated people continue to wear their masks around people when they’re unsure of their vaccination status.
Unfortunately, it’s going to be really hard to feel comfortable as things continue to reopen. You can take comfort in your own precautions to be more thoughtful about our community members who aren’t vaccinated, for their own various reasons.
We must be mindful that many people who are immunocompromised or have other illnesses physically cannot get the vaccine. Additionally, some don’t want to get the vaccine because they are skeptical of the speed of the rollout, the government, and big Pharma in general… with good reason!
I thought of some cautious and responsible alternatives that you can do below!! Remember! Wear your mask when there’s other people around!
Farmers Markets
As it gets warmer, there are many farmers markets opening up around town. Farmers markets are a great way to support local vendors. If you aren’t aware of any farmers markets near you, check out this list on the City of Chicago’s website: Chicago City Markets Directory. You can also check out this map of farmers markets in the greater Chicagoland area: 52 Chicago-area farmers markets. Not all farmers markets are listed, so keep an eye out for fliers advertising farmers markets in your neighborhood!
Conservatories
Conservatories are a fun (and free!) way to see some beautiful, more natural sights in the city. I recommend the Garfield Park Conservatory or the Lincoln Park Conservatory. If you can, consider leaving a donation!
@TayOnTheMove/2016
Volunteer opportunities
Seek out opportunities in your neighborhood! Follow different local orgs on Instagram and Facebook. Also, consider joining any Chicago or UIC-based organization whose mission aligns with your interests! UIC Dissenters, for example, is a mutual aid group that works with an encampment near UIC and raises money through biweekly donations from UIC community members. You can get involved by reaching out to their Instagram @uicdissenters.
Beaches
Beaches may be getting more crowded as we all work to escape the heat, but they definitely have quiet moments! We recommend going on a weekday or even at night time.
2018
Discover your favorite parks in Chicago
Make a list of parks you want to check out in Chicago and cross them off throughout the summer! Some of my favorites are Promontory Point, Harrison Park, LaBagh Woods, Palmisano Park, Ping Tom Park, and River Park. Reach back out to us so we can update our list, too!
Elias Kassa/2021
