As much as you want to open holiday gifts and ring in the New Year surrounded by your loved ones, this year is a bit different. With COVID-19 still surging through the world, you’ve got to take special precautions to keep yourself and your family safe.
This means that you might not be able to have the celebration that you want to have. Still, that doesn’t mean that you can’t practice holiday safety and have a memorable party.
Keep reading for a list of COVID-19 safety tips that you should keep in mind before you plan your holiday celebration or make travel arrangements.
Can I Have an Indoor Party?
Pandemic safety tips say that you shouldn’t have a huge party indoors. No matter how much hand sanitizing or mask-wearing you do, there’s too much of a risk.
With everyone huddled together closely in one place, there’s a good chance that someone will contract COVID. This doesn’t mean that you have to skip out on the celebration. You’ll have to get a little bit creative is all.
If you live near your family and friends, you can have a meal exchange. Everyone will prepare a dish and drop it off along with presents at each other’s houses (while wearing a mask). On the actual day of celebration, everyone can hop in a Zoom call and eat and open gifts virtually.
What About an Outdoor Party?
The weather outside might be frightful but having an outdoor party is the best way to have safe family gatherings if you want to meet in person. There’s more ventilation so it’s less risky than being in a small enclosed place.
This being said, more ventilation doesn’t mean there’s no risk. You still need to limit your guest numbers, wear a mask, ask everyone to quarantine for 14 days before and after the celebration if possible, and head to a walk-in clinic to get tested after the celebration is over.
Can I Travel to See a Relative?
It’s unfortunate but you should cancel all the travel plans you have this holiday season. Cramming yourself into a plane with a bunch of other passengers is too much of a risk.
Driving yourself isn’t safe either. Even if you live in an area with a low infection rate, the same might not be said for the place where you’re going. A risk is a risk.
Can I Visit an Older Relative?
Most nursing homes have strict restrictions going on at the moment because of the virus. If your elderly loved one doesn’t live in a nursing home, you should still avoid gathering for the holidays.
Older people are vulnerable. So, as much as you want to see them, it’s better to avoid it so you can keep them safe. Most nursing homes will be okay with you providing your loved one with a tablet so you can video chat instead.
Holiday Safety Precautions You Should Be Taking
This isn’t the year to meet in person for holiday cheer. That doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate together at all, though. It only means that you have to take a few holiday safety precautions.
Wear a mask, avoid travel, and if you do decide to gather, contact us to ask about our instant testing procedures after the holidays are over.
