Consider health & safety at gatherings

Celebrations Consider health and safety at holiday gatherings

t’s the most wonderful time of the year. Downtown is decorated in beautiful lights, and residents in their cold weather clothes. Though travel restrictions and safety recommendations may change how we celebrate the holidays this year, we know this time together is sacred to people around the world for so many reasons.

To that end, we also want to keep our communities healthy so we can look forward to socializing in the new year. The best way to accomplish that goal is to stay home and host an intimate celebration with your household. Virtual gatherings are also an option that can include and protect high-risk family members and friends. To be clear, gatherings are not recommended this year. It is simply not safe. by HUNTER HARRELL

After a rough season, many people will gather with others to refill and renew their spirits. To help reduce the risk of infection at festive celebrations, here are some tips from national, state and local health agencies. Stay up-to-date with local regulations.

Before attending or hosting an event, it is important to review the local regulations and recommendations. Traveling great distances can complicate these plans, so outline a method of travel and route ahead of time. Choose a location that poses less risk.

Layer up and host an outdoor gathering. (There are some seriously beautiful places locally to do so.) Enjoy warm drinks while safely distanced outdoors. If an outdoor event isn’t realistic, avoid crowded, poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. Increase the ventilation by opening windows and always wear your mask to help reduce the risk of virus transmission. Limit the number of people at the gathering.

Gatherings with more people pose more risk. Consider limiting the number of guests to one or two households, or hosting separate gatherings for different groups of friends and family members. Be sure that these guests are taking proper precautions to keep themselves safe. If you are gathering with people from outside your household, consider staggering arrivals and departures to prevent crowded indoor events. Provide guidance for guests.

Whether creating a formal invitation or sending a quick text message, remember to encourage guests to wear masks, maintain social distance and minimize gestures such as shaking hands, bumping elbows or hugging. Set up hand sanitizing stations near hightouch surfaces to encourage proper hygiene.

Not only are smaller gatherings safer, they also allow for more personal connection and can reduce other expenses around the gift-giving season. Though honoring annual traditions is at the heart of the holidays, health and safety are a priority this year so that we can continue to gather for years to come. d