With spring and summer finally here in Minnesota, the socializing season is upon us. Between weddings, graduations, backyard cookouts and Pride, many of us have full social calendars. While we now have many more tools to help us socialize safely, it’s also helpful to remember that the pandemic is not yet over and continued vigilance is needed to help protect vulnerable members of our communities.

Here are the tools and tricks that we at PFund have been using to help keep ourselves safe as we have our summer fun.

• Twin Cities wastewater viral load data: Wastewater remains one of the best tools we have for determining the level of community spread of the coronavirus. The Metropolitan Council has produced an interactive dashboard that helps you see weekly total viral loads and compare them to prior points in the pandemic. Wastewater viral loads often spike before official case rates increase, so this data can be a useful leading indicator to help drive decision-making on what kind of activities you feel comfortable doing.

• Make it a patio date: The Mayo Clinic has put together a handy list of outdoor activities and relative risk levels. Since the weather is gorgeous, why not spend more time outside when gathering with friends and family this summer?

• Booster shots: Booster shots are recommended for all adults. You can see the latest guidance on boosters from the Minnesota Department of Health here.

• Quality masks: Did you know that medical-grade N95 masks are now widely available? These are great to use when in crowds or indoor spaces to help reduce the likelihood of catching COVID. Make sure you purchase masks from a reputable vendor, such as the nonprofit organization Project N95.

• Free rapid tests: Order rapid tests online to be mailed to your house for free by the federal government.

• Treatment guidance from MN Department of Health: This page is updated regularly to help guide you through available treatment options if you get COVID-19.