Now is the worst possible time to try to socialize a puppy. Social distancing is recommended, some parks are closed, and most people are (smartly) staying inside. That has made socialization a challenge. Notice I said a challenge, not impossible.
So while I would agree it's not the best possible circumstances to be working with, we need to look on the bright side. At least it's easier to control your surroundings when there isn't much there to have to contend with and it makes gradual introductions to anything they may be nervous about easier. There are home options and safe outdoor options out there.
First let's look at the home options. There are many things at your home your dog should be introduced to in order to avoid problems. Many dogs have a love hate relationship, for instance, with the vacuum and the lawn mower. Introducing your pup to these things first while they are sitting still turned off, then moving while turned off, then staying still turned on and finally moving turned on is a good way to introduce them to the fact that these moving noisemakers are nothing to fear or chase and bark at. Next, taking things that are different textures like bath mats, carpets, woven rugs, bags, etc and having them step on them helps to decrease the chances they will have issues with textures in the future. If you have skateboards or bicycles at home it always helps to get them used to seeing things like these too so they don't want to chase or fear them later. Have members of your family in the house put on big winter coats, hats, umbrellas, or old Halloween costumes and introduce the pup to people wearing all these type of things that will desensitize them to seeing all types of clothing and gear so it doesn't surprise them later. Break out some moving, lighted Christmas decorations so come Christmas, you wont have to worry about freaking them out when they start seeing all the shiny, noisy decorations. And for sounds, think of sounds that usually take dogs by surprise the first time and start introducing them at low levels to get them used to hearing strange sounds. Fireworks, a ringing doorbell, a knock on a door, a siren from an ambulance or police car, a loud truck, etc. There are some great sound effects on YouTube you can use. And there are also apps like Sound Proof Puppy with some great examples of sounds and ideas for how to use them. And one of my favorite things to do is make a big noise box for dogs. Take an empty delivery box and put items inside that will make noise when your pup touches them like empty water bottles, empty containers, toys that may squeak or crinkle when they step on them, balls, crumpled up newspaper, even bubble wrap. Then throw some of your puppy's kibble or some treats inside the box and encourage them to find it as they move the noisy objects around (this game should only be played with supervision to avoid them getting to scared by anything and to avoid them eating one of the noisemakers!).
Now for outdoors, you will have to be creative. You want to make sure you are safe because it won't help your puppy if you end up in the hospital from getting exposed to Covid19. So no matter where you go, keep your distance. Now is not the time for puppy play dates, unfortunately. I will remind you that many people infected with the corona virus don't even realize they have it initially. So this is what Ren and I have been doing, I take him for car rides. Car rides in the country and in the city and suburbs so he can see different sights smell different smells, and hear different sounds. Find a parking lot of a business that is still open. Take your pup out of the car and keep a distance from people and avoid touching things, but walk your dog where he can see cars, people and other dogs. Now is as good a time as any for your pup to learn just because he sees people or other dogs and wants to say hi, that is not always going to happen. Sometimes he or she will have to be happy just staying with you. Many parks are still open and may have people skateboarding and such. Have your pup witness and hear all that from a safe distance. I have taken Renegade through food drive-thrus just so he sees some new humans and hears the beeping and sounds coming from inside the restaurant (and he often scores a snack from the nice people at the window who just love how excited he is to see them). You can take your pup to the bank drive thru (that pneumatic tube in some bank thrus can be scary the first time they see them). Or take a walk near a farm where they can see horses, cows, or sheep in a field. Always have lots of treats with you and reward them for calm behavior in the face of new things. And for wanting to be curious and inspect new things.
Never force them to go closer to something that makes them nervous. Find a distance from the scary object where they can be calm and will still take a treat and start there. Reward them for moving closer to the object and you can even toss a treat away from the scary object once in awhile to remind them they can always walk away from it if they want so they don't have to be afraid. If you can't find a distance from the scary object where your dog isn't stressed (they may be trying to pull away from it, licking their lips, shaking) then go away from whatever the object is and try again another day. They can't learn if they are overly stressed.
My advice: do the best you can to find ways to introduce your pup to new people, dogs, places, and objects while keeping yourself safe. Remember introducing them doesn't necessarily mean they have to interact with whatever it is you are introducing them to. They just have to be able to see it, smell it, and/or hear it so if they have the chance to interact with whatever it is in the future, they will approach it with curiosity instead of fear.
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