Experts say, while it is hard to stay away from family and friends, it is still risky business to visit during the pandemic. While many states have relaxed restrictions, we are seeing an alarming uptick in new cases of COVID-19 as a result, which means the coronavirus is still very much a threat.

According to SELF, experts say you should follow state and local guidance but ultimately the decision to move forward should be a personal one. 

"The virus hasn't changed biologically," Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security told SELF. "Social distancing has eased because hospital capacity is no longer an issue in most parts of the country. It doesn't mean that you're not at risk for contracting it."

Your decision should be made on both your psychological tolerance and your potential risk of severe illness, according to SELF. Even the White House guidelines recommend you stay sheltered in place until Phase Three of reopening if you are in a high-risk group. The Los Angeles Times offers a comprehensive explanation of the reopening guidelines.

Experts told SELF, some of the safety measures people should consider when visiting friends and family are the same ones we are taking in everyday life: stay 6 feet apart, wear masks and do not share objects between households. Keep gatherings small and choose an outdoor venue, like a park, for the meeting or reunion.

Hugging and kissing are verboten even at family gatherings, said experts.

"If they gave someone a hug before you, and it's a whole chain of hugs, it could be really, really dangerous," said Eleanor Murray, Sc.D., assistant professor of epidemiology at the Kent State University College of Public Health.

She added, until we have a vaccine, it is important to note we may not be able to go back to what was considered normal before the pandemic.

"Zero cases is a long way off, so that's probably not realistic," she said. "What you do want to see is that your area is doing a lot of testing so they're confident they're detecting all of the cases."

Other experts said, even if cases are low, everyone should keep washing their hands and even do temperature checks without putting too much burden on family and friends. 

According to Men's Health, it is even more risky to visit an elderly relative or one whose health is compromised.

"Keep the visit short," said Dr. K.C. Rondello, clinical associate professor of Public Health & Emergency Management at Adelphia University. "If you are visiting their home, remove your shoes, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching as much as possible. Be sure to take your trash with you, too."

Bear in mind there is no perfectly safe time or way to visit friends and family now.

"Every time you step out of the house now, you're stepping into a world where this virus exists," Adalja said. "You're going to have to think about what's essential to you and what's not essential to you."