After being apart for nearly a year, I’m excited to finally visit my sister and celebrate her birthday. As we anxiously plan for the safest way to celebrate, my mind is filled with questions like, should we hug? Will other people around? Will everyone respect the six-feet-apart rule? I don’t want my constant swirl of thoughts to overshadow the happiness of our reunion, but I also respect the fact that we’re still very much in the middle of a pandemic. Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention divides gatherings into four risk categories, with virtual activities unsurprisingly carrying the lowest risk. While celebrating this year may look quite a bit different than the typical summer soiree, it’s still possible to minimize risk by following these tips.
Head outdoors. The CDC recommends prioritizing outdoor activities where it’s generally easier to maintain social distancing and there’s increased ventilation.
Skip the handshakes. As an introvert, I appreciate the fact that I no longer have to worry about the awkward should-I-hug or should-I-shake-hands situation with others.
Limit sharing as much as possible. While there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is spread by food, do try to minimize handling items like salad tongs, serving spoons and other typically shared items. And even though we’ve heard it a million times before, it bears repeating: Wash your hands frequently (for at least 20 seconds) and keep hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol handy.
Spread out. If you’re hosting a small get-together, arrange seating so that everyone can stay at least six feet apart.
Stay home if you’re feeling even a little “off.” No additional explanation here. Just stay home.
While summer celebrations are anything but normal this year, one thing remains unchanged—appreciating each and every moment spent with loved ones.
Do you have any fun or creative social-distancing tips to share? Let’s hear about them in the comments section!
Thanks, the suggestions are needed as I will have an outside small gathering and now will either direct handwashing or using sanitizer before serving. The numbers are up here so I know there will be respectful distancing and face coverings.
Happy 4th!
Virtual “Hug” as shared on The Today Show! Face your heads opposite way from each other as you lean in for nice “squeeze”. Try it- you’ll like it!
Have a happy and safe reunion with your sister. I care.
I had some girlfriends who did a tailgate lunch. We meet in our church parking lot and just Parked and brought chairs in a bag and circled with 6 feet apart. Each had our own lunches/drinks. We could see each other and chatted. We have done this a couple times prior to churches opening and we could have 10 or less. Our pastor even came out and stood in the middle and joked with us socialites as he called us!