As we approach the holiday season or the birthday party is approaching, you may be wondering if it is safe to arrange a party or dinner with friends and family.
Although many restaurants, businesses and states as a whole have continued to reopen, confirmed cases of coronavirus are once again on the rise across the country.
Therefore, if you have already decided that you will organize something with a certain number of people, there are some things you need to know and consider:
How many people will there be in total?
If the answer is more than 10 people, you should think twice, says Dr. Michael Richardson for Bustle.
"If the cases in your country are on the rise, this is not the best time to organize a party. "For more security, you should contact your doctor and ask him how safe is what you have in mind."
The safest holidays are those with people you know well and who already have close contact. However, even if you are well acquainted with all present, you should consider every rule and be careful.
For now, a useful rule for parties and dinners is: "More than 10, think again!"
Where is the party taking place?
Although this is becoming more and more difficult, as temperatures drop, outdoor celebrations remain the safest.
Doctors recommend avoiding parties held indoors and in small spaces, such as nightclubs or bars.
"The best collections are the ones that are outside and allow people to spread out to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19," says Richardson.
Of course you may be in contact with the coronavirus outside as well, but the risk is lower. However, all gatherings, no matter where they are located, come with some kind of risk that increases depending on how crowded it is.
How can I keep myself and others safe?
A celebration closer to the ideal would be: You know all the guests well and the party takes place in an open environment. There are no more than 10 people.
However, you still need to take some extra precautions if you want to reduce your risk of infection.
The first and most important is: Wearing masks, if you are not able to respect social distancing.
"Masks are essential in stopping the spread of COVID-19, and if you have a mask, you are helping to protect the health of all your friends and family in the evening," says Dr. Richardson.
Care must also be taken with food. Large dishes, where everyone can touch the same surface, are not the best choice. You can suggest individually packaged meals to friends.
Also, remember the most important: Wash your hands!