COVID-19 Precautions
Safe Beach Cleanups & COVID-19
To stay safe during the pandemic, we turn to the guidelines of trusted sources, like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the COVID-19 disease spreads through respiratory droplets. We produce these small particles whenever we cough or sneeze, talk, or laugh. Airborne particles can stay in the air for some time and travel beyond 6 feet.
With beach cleanups, being outside comes to our advantage. Natural offshore winds help create one of the best ventilation environments. That said, we still strongly urge people to avoid mingling.
Here are some additional tips to stay healthy and safe:
Which Mask?
Wearing a mask offers dual protection. It limits the amount of respiratory droplets that exit your own mouth and nose, and it can trap some of the droplets hanging in the air.
N95 - For Healthcare Workers Only!
The “95” in N95 is a special classification that these masks filter out at least 95% of airborne particles. They are medical-grade and used by our amazing healthcare workers on the front lines of preventing and treating this disease.
While the public can get their hands on them, the FDA asks the public to seek other masks for everyday use. N95s are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.
Neck Gaiters, Bandanas, & Other Masks with Valves - NOT Effective
You may see these at Target, the grocery store, or gas stations. However, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, none of these face coverings work as well as proper face masks.
Gaiters are typically stretchy and too thin for proper protection. Bandanas are open at the bottom, allowing free airflow. Masks with exhalation valves feel “official” but allow your own respiratory droplets to escape into the air, possibly putting others at risk.
Proper Masks + Routine Care
The best masks have at least two layers of fabric. Yes, they can be homemade, so long as they completely cover your nose and mouth without large gaps.
Again, your nose should NOT hang over the top of your mask!
The blue and white papery masks (or surgical masks) often have two layers. Masks with a flexible, metal grip for your nose are great, especially for those with glasses. (That breath fog...)
Disposable masks should be discarded after each use. Cloth-based ones we make or buy should be washed at least daily, which means you need a weekly stock of 7-10.
Dish soap is fine (if it’s not laundry day), or you can use a dab of laundry detergent. Rinse the soap off, and hang-dry by the loops or tie strings, or tumble-dry.
During Beach Cleanups
Six Feet Apart
First and foremost, please adhere to proper social distancing. That means you stay at least six feet apart from others not in your household. We want to hug and shake hands as friendly humans, but that’s on pause for now.
Masks
Always wear a mask when you're not drinking or eating snacks. Mask wearing is one of the best ways to keep yourself (and others) safe from the spread of COVID-19.
Gloves
Wear gloves whenever possible. A physical barrier can help you stay safer and clean. If your gloves are reusable, have a bag to transport them home and into your laundry. If they're disposable, here's a video from the CDC that shows the "Beaking Method" (yes, like a seagull beak), for safe glove removal:
Grabbers - OPTIONAL
If possible, consider purchasing a "trash picker." You can find these online for under $25, and they are a great way to keep distant from the trash you pick up from the beach. Bring a bag or cloth to wrap up the trash end after your cleanup. That way, you can avoid contaminating your car or wherever you store your picker.
At Home
Proper hand washing etiquette is still a new habit for some of us. The quick soap-and-rinse technique is no longer enough.
According to Dr. Daniel Pastula, a UCHealth neuro-infectious disease expert, soap can help kill the virus, and it loosens the sticky bond between the virus and our skin. That allows remaining harmful viruses to literally slide right off.
Every time you wash your hands, challenge yourself to slowly sing the ABCs or Happy Birthday. The critical time is 20 seconds or more. Warm or cold water is fine, and antibacterial soap is not required.
Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and scrub your fingernails into your palms. Use a clean, dry towel, or better yet, air dry to keep your hands clean.
The World Health Organization (WHO) offers a helpful demonstration so you can copy this at home:
If soap and water are not available, use the 60% alcohol hand sanitizer you carry around in your purse, pocket, or car. Again, rub this on all surfaces of your hands for 20 seconds or more to imitate the effects of washing with soap.
The Wave
We invite you to join our community, The Wave where we share amazing "ocean magic," helpful beach cleanup tips, and product updates as we work through our research and development process.
Never email trash, just the good stuff.
And next, check out our Top 5 Beach Cleanup Tips to prep for your next outing.
Thank you for being you.