Buzz
Over two months into the pandemic, many of us are seeking ways to adapt to our new reality in a safe and sustainable manner. The fatigue from quarantine is real. Even those who are typically cautious are finding it difficult to maintain the necessary precautions, largely due to the ongoing length of the situation.
As time progresses, it's crucial to find methods of socializing with friends and family that still prioritize safety. This becomes more complicated as several states are beginning to reopen, yet the dangers that led to the initial shutdown remain very much present.
Here are some key pointers to consider when planning your next social gathering, ensuring it is done in a safe manner for both family and friends.
The same guidelines remain in place
All of the guidelines—maintaining a six-foot distance, frequent handwashing, minimizing contact with surfaces, and wearing a mask when feasible—are still relevant. The virus continues to spread, and we are still not testing as much as needed. It's also essential to stay updated on the situation in your community. If you're in a hotspot or an area with a recent surge in cases, extra caution is required.
Being outdoors is usually safer than being indoors
Meeting in an outdoor space—like a park or backyard—is typically safer than gathering indoors, as the fresh air provides better opportunities for social distancing, reduces the likelihood of encountering contaminated surfaces, and offers superior ventilation. In an enclosed environment, you are at risk of breathing in contaminated air, which increases the chance of infection.
The more time spent together, the higher the risk of exposure
In general, the longer you spend in an environment with potential contamination, the greater your likelihood of becoming infected. Recently, Erin Bromage, an immunologist at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, summed up this risk with the equation: “Successful Infection = Exposure to Virus x Time.”
You should aim to limit the duration of any meetups, as the longer you spend with individuals outside your household, the more likely you are to be exposed to an infectious dose of the virus—whether through touching contaminated surfaces or becoming less vigilant about maintaining six feet of distance.
Be cautious about what you touch
Whenever you touch a surface that others may have touched—a door handle, counter, light switch, or anything else—it increases your risk of infection. That’s why it’s important to plan each meetup with the goal of reducing the chances of touching common surfaces. And when contact with surfaces is unavoidable, make sure to have hand sanitizer on hand.
We all miss our loved ones. Long-term isolation isn’t sustainable, and it certainly takes a toll on our emotional health. However, we’re still living through a pandemic, and new cases—and thousands of deaths—are still being reported every day. This means we must continue to be cautious when socializing with the people we care about. Take time to consider how you can meet safely, and then enjoy the precious moments with them once more.
