How To Have Safe Holiday Gatherings During COVID-19
As we approach our first holiday season since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to remember that the virus doesn’t take a day off just because we want to see our family. There are many steps that we must take to ensure a safe holiday gathering that will not turn into a spreader event. If you’re trying to figure out how to have safe holiday gatherings during COVID-19, here are a few precautions you should be taking.
Stay Home if You’re Sick
This advice should be common sense by this point, but it’s still worth repeating: If you are sick, stay home. The last thing that anybody wants is to be responsible for an illness or death because of their negligence. Even if you don’t believe that your sickness is related to the virus, is it really worth the risk? It may be heartbreaking, but staying home and away from vulnerable relatives will make you a holiday hero.
Duration and Number of Guests
If you do decide to go ahead with a gathering, you’ll want to limit the duration and condense the guest list as much as possible. Extended get-togethers have a higher risk of passing the disease. Even with masks, being in proximity to somebody with the virus for a combined total of 15 minutes or more leads to higher transmission rates. Limiting the number of guests to go along with shorter gatherings can also lower the likelihood of spreading the illness.
Maintaining Distance
Even during holiday parties, it is still critical to maintain social distancing whenever possible. While it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk, one option for those in warmer climates is to break out the outdoor furniture to allow more space to spread. Even among family, you should strive to maintain a distance of at least six feet from anybody who doesn’t live in the same home as you.
A New Normal
The last tip for how to have safe holiday gatherings during COVID-19 is to accept that this year probably won’t be like any past celebrations. The new normal that has infused itself into our everyday lives must also extend to holiday gatherings. Be sure to wear a mask whenever you are at any type of gathering. If you can, bring your own food, flatware, drinks, and plates whenever possible to avoid potential contamination. Try to use all of those single-use pouches that have been accumulating in junk drawers, such as condiments, salad dressing, and disposable utensils. Finally, avoid the typical shouting and singing that comes with the festivities, as these activities cause you to breathe in and out much more, which will raise your risks of spreading or contracting the disease.
