Labor Day weekend is often considered the unofficial end of summer. Usually, it's a time for getting together with friends and family and celebrating before the crisp autumn air blows in. This year, everyone's Labor Day plans are going to look a bit different in order to keep our circle healthy and safe.

So what can you safely do over the holiday weekend? Check out these tips and ideas:
Stay close to home
- Don't plan a long trip; stay close to home to minimize risk.
- Don't travel or visit with others if you're feeling ill.
- If you find you must travel, take precautions: use touchless procedures when possible, wear a mask and make sure you wash your hands.
Have a cookout or picnic
- Plan to be outside.
- Keep the guest list small and make sure no one is sick.
- Everyone should wear a mask (yes, even if you're outside).
- Gather together, but stay physically distanced (yes, even outside).
- Make it a BYO everything.
- Provide hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies.
To protect the health and safety of our campus community, each member of the IU community needs to be responsible and comply with a number of behaviors. Follow these guidelines and know what to do if you see others who are not following them.
Visit a park or local trail
- Check out somewhere new close to your residence.
- Avoid crowded parks or campgrounds.
- Wear a mask if anyone else is around (yes, even outside).
- Keep your distance from those not in your household.
Dine out
The safest way to dine out is to grab carryout from your favorite place, find a nice spot outside or back at your residence and enjoy. If you want to have the full dining out experience:
- Make sure you understand the restaurant's safety guidelines and capacity.
- Wear a mask at all times unless you're eating or drinking.
- Bring your own hand sanitizer.
- Keep your food to yourself (no stealing a fry from your friend's plate).
- Wash your hands often and definitely before and after eating.