The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious global health threat that has changed the way that people live their everyday lives. Some businesses and livelihood were either shut down or transitioned to online enterprising, causing unemployment and a decline in the economy. Schools, colleges, and universities transitioned to online learning. Mall hopping transitioned to online shopping. You can hardly even find dine-in restaurants in most areas anymore. These are just some of the drastic changes that the pandemic has caused.
However, the people somehow learned to adapt to this new normal. Medical consultations, meetings, and even parties are now done online via video conferencing. To some, online transitioning is more ideal. But, of course, when it comes to gatherings, people still prefer being around the people they love in person. This is why despite the COVID-19 pandemic, people are still figuring out ways to socialize, which, oftentimes, evoke criticism from others.
A definite solution is yet to be created for this crisis, but there’s a workaround to satisfy our insatiable yearning for the warmth and harmonic euphoria that celebrations bring. All things considered, here are a few ways to party safely during the pandemic:
1. Limit The Number Of Guests
The number of guests should depend on the venue. While some say it’s ideal to have 10 guests when having a party, it might not apply to some, especially if the event will be held in a small space.
You should limit the number of guests to avoid getting the place crowded. Your guests should only be enough to still be socially distanced while having good, clean fun, and still maintain a safe physical distance to avoid catching or spreading the virus. This should be highly considered, especially if your venue is indoors.
If the venue is indoors, make sure that the room is properly ventilated by keeping the windows open. Having air purifiers in your venue can remove droplets and viruses from the air. This, however, still doesn’t guarantee the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.
2. Use Disposable Utensils
Your party should be as hygienic as possible. So, it’s ideal to use disposable utensils, such as paper cups and plates, as well as plastic spoons and forks. This can minimize the transmission as there’ll be enough utensils for everyone that can easily be disposed of after a single use. It’s also ideal to assign someone to serve food and drinks so there’ll only be one person touching all your party stuff. This, too, can minimize the risk of transmission.
Such precautions, however, can make your party seem uptight and suffocating. But, it’s going to be more suffocating if anyone gets infected.
With this in mind, you’d want to liven up your venue with some banners, a photo booth, and, perhaps, even a piñata. You can view this post to get the freshest party decoration ideas. This will help make your party more exciting and stimulating.
3. Take It Outside
According to a study of COVID-19 outbreaks in China, people are less likely to catch or spread the virus outdoors. This is why it’s more ideal to have an outdoor venue when throwing a party. Of course, the number of guests should still be limited to be able to have enough room for adequate physical distancing.
4. Avoid Physical Contact
It’s understandable that being separated for a long while has caused everyone to long for social interaction or physical contact. However, it’s still best to avoid hugs and handshakes as much as possible to minimize the risk of catching and spreading the disease.
You should also have hand sanitizers and handwashing stations available for easy access so you and your guests won’t be hesitant of sanitizing their hands from time to time. This should be practiced even if you’re confident that you’re virus-free. Also, you need to be cautious of guests that may have traveled from red zone areas, where the disease is particularly prevalent.
Remember that you are dealing with an invisible enemy. Moreover, there are several new variants of the dreaded coronavirus, some of which are still under-researched. Therefore, you still wouldn’t know who’s infected and who isn’t.
These precautions aren’t something new because there have been cases from the previous variants wherein patients who tested positive for COVID-19 showed no signs and symptoms; hence, asymptomatic.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), scientists are still conducting more studies and research about the new variants. They’re still trying to figure out how widely the new variants have spread, the difference between the new variants from the other variants that are currently circulating, and how the new variants may affect tests, therapies, and vaccines.
Final Words
Throwing a party can be a lot of work. But, at the same time, it’s going to be a lot of fun. All your efforts will be more than worth it. You’ll be reunited with your loved ones and be able to enjoy the warmth of their company and compassionate care again. This will help bring a sense of hope to you and your guests, and, most importantly, a sense of belonging after all the isolation and loneliness that has been wrought by the COVID-19 crisis.
