Celebrate Safely Celebrations retool as COVID restrictions loosen. SHARI S. COHEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
HEIRLOOM INSTAGRAM
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Individually served meals are safer than buffet lines.
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JUNE 24 • 2021
opefully, Zoom birthday celebrations, virtual seders and drive-thru sukkahs will soon be only memories. After a frightening spring COVID surge in Michigan, weekly average COVID cases have declined to 301 and the COVID positive test rate is now less than 2%, compared to double digits not long ago. Vaccinations are probably responsible for much of this progress, but not everyone has been vaccinated. COVID is still prevalent in Michigan, so health authorities urge continued precautions. So, hugs and kisses at crowded buffet lines are still discouraged, but there are ways to celebrate that reduce the risk of COVID transmission. Outdoor celebrations are recommended because the possibility of coronavirus transmission is much less than indoors. Dr. Dennis Cunningham, medical director for Infection Control and Infection Dr. Dennis Prevention at Cunningham Henry Ford Health System, says, “Outside is so much safer, espe-
cially if most guests have been vaccinated.” He is “not too worried about outdoor events” and plans to attend one himself. “Hopefully, you can trust people,” he adds. However, if multiple households are included in a party, he suggests that young children, who are not yet eligible for vaccines, wear masks. Since some children can’t keep masks on, Dr. Cunningham says that it may be best not to include these kids. Regarding food service, Dr. Cunningham says that food handling is not a major transmission source for COVID. However, buffet lines bring people close together and potentially increase the chance of virus spread. Sharona Shapiro, West Bloomfield community activist, volunteer and frequent cook and hostess, says that “visual messaging” is important. She is planning an anniversary party Sharona with a small group Shapiro of vaccinated friends outdoors at a friend’s lakeside home. Instead of a buffet or family-style food service, Shapiro
