Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer; it is also a popular time to travel. Health officials recommend staying home as the best way to protect yourself and others from Covid-19. 

So, this holiday weekend, your best move might be to take a “staycation.” We are encouraging all students to stay on campus instead of spending the long weekend traveling. We hope you will take this opportunity for a well-deserved break, relax, and recharge. Use this holiday break to practice self-care and reenergize yourself for the remainder of the fall semester. 

If you are staying on campus, here are some of the activities and services that will be available:

• Try out one of the new outdoor social distancing tents on campus! Ten outdoor tents have been installed across campus to provide additional space for you to socialize while social distancing.  View this map for all 10 locations.
• The CRC is open Friday, Saturday, and Monday. Visit their website for hours of operation or to pre-register online for a facility access time slot. 
• Multiple registered student organizations are hosting virtual and in-person events throughout the weekend. Visit the Engage calendar for more information.
• Alternative Service Breaks (ASB) is hosting a virtual meet and greet on Sunday, Sept. 6. Visit their Engage event site for more information. 
• Wondering where to eat? Here are your on-campus dining options. And West Village will be open throughout the weekend if you are looking for additional space to socialize while social distancing.

If you are looking to get outdoors, here are a few local ideas that might spark your interest while minimizing your risk. Make sure to bring and wear a face covering.

• Lakes – There are some wonderful lakes near Atlanta that might give you that sense of adventure while also allowing for social distancing. 
   
• Parks – Have a picnic or cookout at one of these top 10 parks in Atlanta. Be mindful of physical distancing if other people are picnicking as well.
   
• Gibbs Gardens – 292 acres of beautiful gardens, trails, ponds, bridge crossings, waterfalls, and more. Go check out what’s in bloom.
   
• Stone Mountain – Hike one of many trails and catch some of the most breathtaking views in Georgia.
   
• Starlight Drive-In Theatre – Miss movie theaters? Do a drive-in instead! 

Or check out these virtual events in Atlanta this weekend.

• Dragon Con: this celebration of pop culture will include new content, old favorite experiences, contests, livestreams, and more. Sept. 3 – 7.
• Decatur Book Festival: Celebrate books of all genres and topics with authors, chefs, journalists, and more during this virtual event. Sept. 4 – Oct. 4.

If you do plan to take a road trip or flight for Labor Day, there are factors you may want to consider during the coronavirus pandemic.

No matter what you do this weekend, plan it safely. Remember, Jackets Protect Jackets. Here are some additional tips to minimize risk:

• Get tested this week and plan ahead to get tested next week. Testing will not be available on Monday, Sept. 7.
• Wear a face covering and bring extras wherever you go.
• Practice physical distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet from others.
• Wash your hands often and carry hand sanitizer with you.
• Limit interactions to small groups with social distance in outdoor settings.
• Continue to use your daily self-checklist.

And have a fun, relaxing, and safe Labor Day weekend!