Social Distancing is Happening Across America

RVs, motorhomes and campers are widely known as icons of the American family summer vacation. During the Coronavirus Pandemic, RVs have been put to use and have been in demand for even more reasons. 

Many family RV trips may have been cancelled during the month of March when the COVID-19 virus started to spread and everyday was touch and go with new, shocking revelations. Now, the available RVs are being rented across the country for all types of reasons and they are being put to good use. 

RVs are Filling New Needs

People are renting RVs to pick up their parents from their winter homes and bring them back to their hometowns. Travelling by RV is comfortable and convenient, especially for older people. The ability to stretch your legs, not have to use public restrooms and the ability to make your own meals while on the road is perfect for travel while maintaining social distancing and Stay at Home recommended guidelines. 

RVs have become a safe place to stay for people who work in the medical profession and who are critical during the Coronavirus pandemic. This includes Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Doctors, Nurses, Infectious Disease Specialists, even Policeman and Fireman who are exposed to many people and potentially exposed to COVID-19. Many of these essential workers are renting RVs and parking them in their driveway or somewhere nearby. The RV serves as a safe place for them to stay so that they don’t expose their family or others to the Coronavirus. 

Dockweiler Beach, a popular RV parking area on the beach in Los Angeles, was recently emptied of vacationers and replaced with RVs to house people that have been exposed to the Coronavirus and keep people safe by isolating those sick from healthy people.  

RVs are also being used in many cities to house the homeless during the Coronavirus Pandemic to prevent the spread of the virus throughout communities. Travel trailers have been acquired and rented by FEMA and placed in urban areas to house homeless people to shelter them, keep them and other safe during the “Stay at Home” or “Safer at Home” Orders of many states.

Renting an RV while Social Distancing

Social Distancing is a new concept to us all. What is social distancing? Social distancing is defined by when two people wearing masks maintain 6 feet of distance between each other. Social distancing includes not gathering in groups, staying away from crowded places and mass gatherings. 

Avoid the crowds by renting an RV to get away. Go where you want to, when you want to without worrying about needing to be around a lot of people. In an RV, you can experience the outdoors with the comforts of home. Unlike camping in a tent, RV camping allows you to have a roof over your head, protection from wind and rain, your own private bathroom, appliances and space to make meals, plus beds to sleep in. 

A trending way of camping has become even more popular during the Coronavirus Pandemic, when many Federal, State and local campgrounds and RV parks have been closed. Boondocking is a popular term for dry camping. This type of camping includes RVing without being plugged in to an electric power source, disconnected from water and sewer services and relying on either using the generator or going without power whenever possible.

You don’t need to stay in a campground with RV hook-ups in order to dry camp. Boondocking allows you to choose to camp in any place parking an RV is allowed. And often times these RV parking spots can be free. Harvest Hosts is a great service that allows you to find free RV camping sites at vineyards, breweries and other rural attractions that offer interesting experiences along with free RV camping. 

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Plan an RV Trip

RVs are typically in very high demand during the summer, peak-travel months. Usually people reserve an RV for their trip months in advance. This season will likely be different, with many people booking trips as soon as the Coronavirus Stay at Home orders begin to lift. As States open up during the spring and summer, people will want to get out of the house and go somewhere.  

Now is the time to start planning your trip, while we’re all still stuck at home with plenty of time on our hands. You can search thousands of RVs, motorhomes, campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels and pop-up campers on RVnGO. 

Once you’ve chosen and found the RV you’d like for your trip, you can start planning where you’ll want to go. You can start by checking the National Parks Service or your local State Park’s websites. Then, look for RV camping or RV parks near where you plan to go. 

RVing Safely During the Coronavirus Pandemic 

We have been advised to practice social distancing to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and it is widely known to be the best tool we have to slow the spread of the virus. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have recommended that when the Coronavirus has been found near where you live, everyone who lives in that area should limit close contact with people outside of their household – both indoors and outside. People who have preexisting conditions or are elderly are advised to stay away from anyone who may have been exposed to the Coronavirus because even those without visible symptoms can be carriers of the virus. 

The reason why we need to maintain social distancing, 6 feet from others is because the COVID-19 disease is often spread when someone that is infected with the virus coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread while talking or any moisture from their mouth or nose lands in the mouths or noses of people near them. These droplets of moisture can also be inhaled through the mouth or nose. 

The Coronavirus can also be spread touching a surface that contains the virus on it followed by them touching your mouth, nose or eyes. In general, it’s a good habit to start – catching yourself before you touch any part of your face and reducing the urge to do so. 

Everyone and anyone who is able to contract the Coronavirus – even people who’ve had the Coronavirus are testing positive for the virus again. 

Tips for social distancing: 

• Follow guidance from authorities where you live. 

• If you need to shop for food or medicine at the grocery store or pharmacy, stay at least 6 feet away from others. 

• Use mail-order for medications, if possible. 

• Consider a grocery delivery service. 

• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, including when you have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store. 

• Stay at least 6 feet between yourself and others, even when you wear a face covering. 

• Avoid large and small gatherings in private places and public spaces, such a friend’s house, parks, restaurants, shops, or any other place. This advice applies to people of any age, including teens and younger adults. Children should not have in-person playdates while school is out. To help maintain social connections while social distancing, learn tips to keep children healthy while school’s out. 

• Work from home when possible. 

• If possible, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis. 

• If you are a student or parent, talk to your school about options for digital/distance learning. 

• Stay connected while staying away. It is very important to stay in touch with friends and family that don’t live in your home. Call, video chat, or stay connected using social media. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can be difficult. Read tips for stress and coping.