Safely Celebrating Mardi Gras

By Emily Drez

After nearly two years of quarantining, social distancing, and mask wearing, Louisianians are finally getting a taste of normalcy with the return of our favorite holiday: Mardi Gras. However, just because Mardi Gras is back in session for 2022 (so far), it does not mean the COVID-19 pandemic is over. We still need to protect ourselves and be considerate of those who want to celebrate Mardi Gras safely. Here’s how you can stay safe this year while still enjoying the Mardi Gras season:

First, consider the spread of COVID-19 in your area and any risks you may be taking by attending a Mardi

Gras parade. Infection rates may be high, so you need to have a gameplan to avoid catching (or spreading) the virus. Once you have a gameplan, you will be able to have peace of mind while you celebrate. Get your booster shot. The COVID-19 vaccines do not guarantee that you are completely immune to the virus. Instead, they ensure your symptoms will be less severe if you contract COVID-19 after you get vaccinated. If you got your first two doses at least five months ago, you are eligible to receive a booster shot, which will keep your antibody levels up and offer you better protection against the virus. Make sure to give yourself a few days to recover from the booster shot if you are planning to get one before an important event, as it is possible your body will react to the vaccine with mild symptoms such as aches, fatigue, and a low-grade fever. Get tested. A few days before heading out to the parade grounds, take a COVID test to make sure you, your friends, and your family do not have the virus.

Avoid staying in crowded areas for a long period of

time. Since Louisiana has not celebrated Mardi Gras in a year, it is likely there will be lots of people at the Mardi Gras parades this year. It is best to stay with your friends and family members in a designated area such as a tailgate, if possible, or in any less populated area. Be safe in style. When you make your way through the crowds to get closer to floats, wear a mask! Mardi Gras is the perfect time to dress up, so your mask can be as colorful, bedazzled, and sparkly as you want it. Sanitize. Keep some hand sanitizer on you, especially for when you go into a restaurant or a public bathroom. Make sure the sanitizer is at least 60 percent alcohol. Get tested again. COVID-19 can take a few days to incubate before you start to show any symptoms. About three days after you go to a parade, take another COVID test to make sure you did not contract the virus. It is also a good idea to distance yourself from people until your test comes back negative. Have a ball without the ball. If you choose to refrain from any public Mardi Gras celebrations this year, you can always eat some King Cake at home and tune in to an online live stream of a parade. You can also check out the Krewe of House Floats, also known as “Yardi Gras.”