How to Stay Safe During the Holiday Season and Curb COVID-19 Pandemic?

If like many others, you love holidays, then it is time to understand some COVID-19 precautions. Unlike the previous year, we are currently living in a world going through a pandemic. The delicious food, holiday games, weekend vacations, and family traditions can put you at the risk. So, during this social unrest, you need to be extra careful when celebrating Christmas or New Year.

Due to the nature of the coronavirus, it spreads quickly and shows symptoms in 2-14 days. You can still celebrate with your friends and family but you need to cautiously plan things. Below we have discussed how you can plan for holidays, enjoy, and meet your family.

How To Safely Celebrate Holidays?

There are some guidelines given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Following these safety precautions will keep you safe.

• If anyone has been exposed to the disease or has been in contact with an infected person, then they should isolate.
• People above the age of 65 should avoid in-person meetings. This also includes people with heart diseases, blood pressure, and diabetes.
• Plan intimate gatherings with very few people.
• Virtually host events and participate in online games and traditions.
• Shop online to avoid coming in contact with an infected individual.
• Watch parade and sports at home only.

Things To Consider for Celebrations

If you are planning a gathering at your home around the holidays, consider digital or virtual meetings. This helps you meet your family members and still stay safe from the coronavirus. However, if you still wish to organize a gathering or attend one, here are some things to keep in mind.

1. COVID-19 Spread

If you have people coming from a place with a high community spread, you are at high risk. So, check the conditions of COVID-19 in areas where your friends and family members are staying.

2. Location and Duration

If your indoor set up has poor ventilation and smaller space, then these gatherings are riskier than outdoor gatherings. Set up an outdoor gathering to avoid increasing the spread of the virus.

Additionally, plan a shorter gathering. Don’t plan a stay-in or night-out, as it might increase the risk of COVID-19.

3. Number of Individuals

As already discussed, more people bring higher risk to the table. Consider inviting family members and close friends only.

4. Traveling Details

If some people are traveling for this gathering, understand that the risk of higher. Consider inviting people who stay in the nearby region. Travelling can expose your friends or family members.

Safety Precautions

If you are the host, check what you can do to stay COVID-free and keep your guests safe as well.

Before

Before that event, you should plan accordingly.

• Encourage your guests to bring their masks, sanitizer, and tissue box.
• Prepare a seating arrangement that is 6-7 feet apart.
• Purchase disposable masks for guests in case they don’t get their masks.

During

Once the gathering starts, you need to take extra safety measures to keep your guests safe from COVID-19.

• Don’t randomly go out and meet people who are not in the gathering. This might risk other individuals.
• Instead of arranging close seating, use an arrangement that is 2 meters apart. Even your dining table should be set up in this manner. Also, don’t swap places. If a person is seating at one chair, then ask them to only sit there for the rest of the gathering. Switching places can increase risk.
• Avoid hugging anyone. Consider verbal greetings while wearing a mask.
• Wear a mask all the time to avoid spreading the virus if you have it. Encourage your guests to do the same. You can make this interesting by getting customized masks for the event. This would help you bring the fun-factor.
• Ensure that every guest washes hands properly on arrival and before leaving. Install sanitizer stations at different places.
• Place a spray sanitizer bottle in the bathroom and ask every guest to sanitize before and after using the washroom. Even the gate handles should be sanitized.
• Promote food safety. You can encourage your guests to get their own food. If not that, then limit the number of people in the kitchen. Also, avoid the buffet system for food.
• Utilize disposal plates and cups for food, which should be disposed of by the guest in a garbage bin. Additionally, install a touch-free garbage bin to avoid contact.

Who Should Avoid Hosting or Attending a Gathering?

As a responsible member of society, the following people should avoid hosting or attending gatherings:

• If you have been diagnosed with the virus and you are quarantined.
• If you have symptoms of the virus.
• If you are waiting for your COVID-19 test reports.
• If you have been in contact with a COVID-19 infected person in the past 14 days.
• If you are at high-risk.

Conclusion

Every year, we plan for holiday food, games, and other activities. This year, you need to spend some extra time planning things in a way to avoid contact and spread of the virus. To keep yourself, your family, and friends safe, it is right to utilize masks, sanitizers, and social distancing guidelines. For more details, check the above details. Stay home, stay safe!