COVID is not a gift you want to give for the holidays. If you are still planning on hosting a holiday gathering, consider these 10 tips to help keep you, your friends and family safe. Adhere to all New York State and federal COVID restrictions and guidelines.
1. KNOW THE NUMBERS
Check the number and rate of COVID-19 cases in your community, in the community where the event is being held and in the community where guests are coming from. The greater the numbers and rates, the greater the risk of infection and spread among guests.
2. USE ONLINE INVITATIONS
Digital Christmas invites let you immediately establish ground rules for your COVID Christmas party, but also message guests should anything change.
3. KEEP IT SMALL
Having a small dinner with only people who live in your household.
4. MAKE IT A BYO BEVERAGES & FOOD
Encourage guests to bring their own food and drink for themselves and members of their households only.
5. CONSIDER SERVING MORE MOCKTAILS THAN COCKTAILS
Offer a variety of non-alcoholic drinks like waters, sparkling juices and sodas. Guests may tend to become less aware of social distancing while consuming alcohol.
6. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE
At the event, avoid close contact with others outside of your household. Avoid closely gathering around one table.
7. WEAR A MASK
Keep masks on when you are around people who don't live in your household, except when eating or drinking.
8. PARTY IN THE BACK YARD
Plan on hosting your event outdoors and investigate the right equipment to keep everyone warm and comfortable. Keep warm with an outdoor tent, fire pit, outdoor heaters and individual servings of hot drinks and food. Place blankets on each seat for guests.
9. ENCOURAGE HYGIENE
Have hand sanitizer readily available for everyone. Make sure guests wash their hands or uses hand sanitizer before and after preparing, serving and eating food.
10. KEEP IT CLEAN
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and shared items between uses.
After the event, if you feel that you were in close contact to someone who may have been exposed to COVID-19, take extra precautions for 14 days. Stay at home as much as possible, avoid being around other people and consider getting tested for COVID-19.
Disclaimer: The Blue Line Insurance Agency does not support or endorse illegal gatherings or social events of any kind. The Blue Line Insurance Agency recommends that all individuals follow and adhere to all state, federal laws and guidelines pertaining to social gatherings.
