Embrace the Outdoors and Cold Weather to Maintain Social Connections

By Christina Moylan, December 18, 2020

A message from Christina Moylan, Director of Public Health Emergency Preparedness.

Public Health Column introduction video.

The first winter storm of the season brought about a foot of snow to Ithaca this past week, with many surrounding areas receiving much more. As I joined my neighbors shoveling sidewalks, what typically takes about 20 minutes turned into a 45-minute experience as we all lingered – at a distance – to seize the opportunity to reconnect. The winter weather brought us out of our houses and gave a renewed sense of vitality to the block. It struck me that dreading winter is not the right frame of mind to be in. A commitment to appreciating winter and all that the outdoors has to offer, even when frigid, will be a must this year.

We would like you to return to South Hill in January excited and ready to make connections with others, but be prepared for a focus on the outdoors. Indoor gatherings with those outside of your own household (or residence hall) must be restricted, as this is a major contributor to viral spread. A creative approach to socialization and a new appreciation for the outdoors will be a necessity.

(Photo Credit: Evan Montgomery '18)

Ithaca offers just as much beauty and just as many opportunities for exploration in the cold as it does during warmer months. Winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, winter running, outdoor walks, snowball fights, and sledding become available. Make plans to socialize outdoors within your pod of people who are committed to the same recommended public health behaviors as you – like wearing a face covering, keeping 6 feet of distance, washing hands, and avoiding travel.

Spending time outdoors in the winter is much more manageable and fun when you are dressed comfortably. Pack appropriately to be able to take advantage of the cold. Think layers: long underwear that wicks perspiration, insulated winter coat with waterproof protection, hats, gloves, scarf, and winter boots.

Also remember that this year, symptoms of other illnesses, like the common cold or flu, will be more difficult to distinguish from COVID-19. If you have a fever, are coughing, or have any other signs of COVID-19, decline invitations to socialize and seek out testing and medical advice. Students can contact IC’s Hammond Health Center and employees have the option of accessing telehealth through Cayuga Health System or their own medical provider. Also, it’s not too late to get your flu vaccine if you haven’t done so already, which will help protect your respiratory health.

To all of my colleagues that I have watched work so hard to continue to teach and prepare to welcome students back in January, it has been an inspiration to see the dedication that you have brought to this very challenging situation. To our students, your grit and perseverance amidst so much disappointment is equally inspirational.

Christina Moylan, Director of Public Health Emergency Preparedness

Since we won’t exist entirely outdoors, possibilities for indoor solitary or virtual entertainment will be important as well. Reading, puzzles, streaming movies, cooking, virtual game nights or book clubs – the ideas are endless.

We still have a long way to go, but there is hope that the vaccine will be available in late spring. As we navigate another few weeks of holiday events, please make sure to heed advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to safely celebrate the holidays. Indoor gatherings, travel, and lack of compliance with recommended public health behaviors is continuing to spread the virus and stressing an overwhelmed and exhausted medical and public health system.

To sign off for 2020, I wanted to thank everyone who read these columns throughout the fall semester. I can’t believe how quickly time has passed and that we are already on the cusp of our return to South Hill. To all of my colleagues that I have watched work so hard to continue to teach and prepare to welcome students back in January, it has been an inspiration to see the dedication that you have brought to this very challenging situation. To our students, your grit and perseverance amidst so much disappointment is equally inspirational. I wish everyone well and please, please make the sacrifices that are needed during this holiday season to protect yourself and others.

Let’s keep our numbers low, and our spirits high!

Sincerely,

Christina Moylan, Ph.D.
Director of Public Health Emergency Preparedness