For the upcoming seasonal change, many people are planning events and gatherings beforehand, which is why the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has recently released a new set of instructions on how to celebrate safely with minimal risk of coronavirus transmission.
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the health agency has been giving guidelines in accordance with the changing situations of the pandemic, which have also covered multiple aspects of everyday life ranging from going to work to travel safety.
In the new few weeks, the majority is once again expected to hold different ceremonies, dinners, and gatherings that can contribute to the growing number of cases even further and create new coronavirus hotspots.
Additionally, the increase in gatherings during colder months is riskier and dangerous to a significant extent in comparison with warmer months as many people will confuse symptoms of common cold, flu, and coronavirus.
This is why there is a need for extra precautions while planning a certain event, especially the ones that include a big number of friends and relatives. The new guidelines from the CDC on holiday season buildup on the previous instructions.
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Primarily, they encourage on four main precautions which are wearing a mask, keeping a six feet distance, shifting gatherings in open space rather than inside the house, and maintaining interaction in a safe and specific way.
Wearing a face covering and practicing social distance are two instructions that have been a part of preventive measures for coronavirus control since the start of the crisis. Without these, it is often difficult to control virus spread.
In gatherings, an additional step that can further ensure little to no virus transmission from one person to another is keeping the event outdoors rather than indoors.
The current medical research shows that the coronavirus can spread through airborne transmission especially in indoor public spaces due to the lack of ventilation and fresh air, which is why events held outdoors are much safer than those that are planned indoors.
In addition to these measures, there are also a number of other factors to consider before planning or going to a dinner or a family gathering including the prevalence of the infection in the area or the venue.
If the area has a high number of cases, it is best to avoid gatherings this year in order for preventing coronavirus spread.
The duration of the event is also important. Instead of hours-long events, try to cut down on extra activities and have a short and safe time together. Also, try to cut down the number of guests invited.
While the event is being held, it is important to check whether every guest is wearing a mask and is keeping a distance.
People with symptoms of coronavirus such as coughing, fever, and sneezing or who have had recent exposure to the virus should avoid calling friends and family home or even going to another gathering before a time period of two weeks.
