Keeping COVID-19 out of your holiday festivities is the aim of a press release from the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit.
With the rise in cases and the arrival of a new, more transmissible variant in Ontario, the words “small,” “safe” and “smart” are the ones to plan by.
“Celebrating the season has added meaning now, after many festivities were cancelled last year due to COVID-19 concerns,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking commented.
“However, the reality is that we are still in a pandemic and, with the new Omicron variant, we must remain vigilant to stop the spread. Small gatherings, smart planning and safe practices are the best ways to make the season merry and bright.”
Though Ontario's current limit for private indoor social gatherings is 25 people, the health unit recommends smaller-sized parties or get-togethers.
“Limiting the size and frequency of contacts with others outside your household will reduce your risk of COVID-19,” Dr. Bocking said.
COVID-19 vaccines help protect against the virus, which means party hosts may want to limit their guest list to those who are fully vaccinated. If this is the plan, the health unit suggests alerting guests in advance about the vaccine-only rule so there are no surprises or confusion.
If this is not possible, and an indoor visit includes people from multiple households that may include those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, hosts should insist everyone wear masks and maintain physical distancing.
“If you still aren't fully vaccinated, then roll up your sleeve and get your first or second COVID-19 vaccine dose to ensure you are protected,” Dr. Bocking urged.
“It can give greater peace of mind when gathering with others over the holidays.”
Based on current provincial guidance, people can consider removing masks when gathering indoors with a group of fully vaccinated individuals, if everyone is comfortable with that. But Dr. Bocking says care and caution – not just consensus – should be top of mind.
“Do what's right for the group,” she said.
“But keep in mind that, if older adults and those with compromised immune systems are attending, they can be more at risk of severe illness from COVID-19.”
Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor ones during the pandemic, but the weather at this time of year makes them less than ideal. If gathering indoors over the holidays, open windows and doors whenever possible to allow for improved ventilation – perhaps opening a window 10 minutes each hour, for example, if weather conditions permit.
The press release included other safe practices for hosting holiday get-togethers.
Remind guests to stay home if they feel sick (even if symptoms are mild).
Encourage people to wash their hands frequently by providing all necessary supplies (hand sanitizer, soap and water).
Keep a list of attendees in case the health unit needs this information for contact tracing.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently.
If entertaining involves a restaurant, follow all rules and regulations (including providing proof of vaccination).
For those wary of in-person holiday visits, the health unit suggest connecting in other meaningful ways such as virtual chats, phone calls or short outdoor visits with proper distancing.
“The festive season doesn't mean a holiday from COVID-19, but we can still find ways to enjoy the season safely,” Dr. Bocking said.
“We all need to do our part in helping to reduce the number of cases in our area do we don't seen further spread and the need for public-health measures.”
