PHOENIX — With restaurants, bars and movie theaters unable to seat customers during the coronavirus outbreak, what are couples and singles supposed to do on date night?
The Centers for Disease Control is urging everyone to limit in-person gatherings as much as possible, but social distancing doesn’t mean being anti-social.
Here are some ways to maintain a healthy social life while staying safe.
Virtual dates
Dating apps like Bumble and Hinge are encouraging users to get to know each other virtually using teleconferencing.
Hinge says 70% of users are willing to do a digital date for chatting. If nothing else, social distancing is an easy icebreaker, and you and your date immediately have something common.
Zoom, Face Time and Google Hangouts are easy ways to meet up from the comfort of your own home.
Take a hike
Entrance to national parks is free during the coronavirus outbreak to encourage social distancing, but some parks like Grand Canyon National Park are particularly busy.
The most popular places in the country like Yosemite and Yellowstone have closed altogether during the outbreak.
Check conditions at your favorite park for any closures. But this could be your chance to explore all of Arizona’s natural beauty with someone special.
Netflix and chill
Not like that. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube each have ways to host a watch party for people to chat and enjoy movies or binge shows together.
Go shopping
Grocery stores and markets are considered “essential services” that can remain open. Stores are having trouble keeping shelves stocked, and some shoppers are going to multiple locations just to get the basics.
Why not make a trip out of it? It’s not the most glamorous date, but it’s a great way to kill two birds with one stone and bond with your date during a strange time.
Most restaurants are still open for take-out, so what better way to finish a successful day shopping than with a picnic.
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