Finally! Guamanians have more outdoor activities to participate in now that the rules on outdoor, non-contact sports and leisure activities have been eased – somewhat.

Though pandemic restrictions have not been completely lifted, the relaxed rules are a breakthrough.

We’ve been restrained for far too long. We’ve been cooped up indoors for months more than necessary.

We can also now go to restaurants that offer outdoor dining.

On Thursday, the governor, while noting that Guam remains in Pandemic Condition of Readiness 1, announced additional restrictions would be lifted, allowing some businesses to reopen.

She acknowledged that “data show that some activities pose a greater risk of transmission than others.”

She is also now allowing, at 25% capacity, for personal-care businesses to reopen, such as hair and nail salons and pet grooming businesses and tattoo parlors.

Perhaps what’s most exciting for some is that solitary and non-contact sports  are now allowed. Certain sports facilities, such as firing ranges, tennis courts and golf courses, can reopen. Individual water sports and water sport services, such as scuba diving, will be permitted.

The lifting of these restrictions is a good start.

It wasn’t specifically mentioned in the governor’s announcement, but groups should also be allowed to hold running, walking or cross-country practices as long as the participants keep a safe distance from each other.

We need to get involved with more sports and other events outdoors to help with our mental and physical health.

We need to be on the road to wellness so we, as a community, will stand a better chance of fighting off COVID-19.