5 Responsible Ways to Celebrate the Holidays During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Almost nine months into the pandemic, we might now feel more accustomed to the new normal, with many of us beginning to relax restrictions in our own ways. The threat of infection, however, is still not over. With thousands of new COVID-19 cases being reported in the United States each day, and Thanksgiving around the corner, the question on everyone’s mind is — how can we safely celebrate the holidays during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Well, with a little spark of creativity and responsible planning, you can enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones while still ensuring their health and wellbeing is your #1 priority.
Read along, as we discuss some great ideas and best practices that you can follow to celebrate the holidays in 2020 with utmost kuleana.
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1. Avoid High-Risk Areas
To state the obvious, it is best to avoid venturing outside in crowded places like hotels, restaurants, airports, and malls to minimize your chances of COVID-19 exposure. Wearing facial coverings or masks and practicing social distancing in public places continue to be the mandate and are counted among the most effective measures to prevent COVID-19; so remember to keep your masks on!
2. Keep your Circles Smaller
Holidays are a time to reconnect and rejoice with family members and friends. When celebrating indoors, it is important to limit gatherings at home to smaller numbers this year. Holiday guidelines issued by the CDC state that celebrations be limited to family members who are part of the same household; these recommendations are meant to supplement the mandates issued by state and local health departments.
3. Rethink How You Serve Food and Drinks
Think about giving a spin to the age-old tradition of hosting potluck parties this year. Food and drinks are the most susceptible means of shared contact among people in an indoor setting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share and enjoy a good home-cooked meal together. Follow the recommended food safety guidelines and have a plan to safely handle food and drinks, to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 from asymptomatic infected individuals. Smalls changes like using disposable dishes, avoiding linen items (e.g., tablecloths, napkins) that need to be frequently laundered, designating a space for washing hands, or even asking guests to BYOB are easy to implement and go a long way in minimizing contact.
4. Travel Responsibly
Traveling during these times is best avoided as it increases your exposure to the virus, so consider postponing that trip. But, if you must travel, be sure to check the latest regulations for state-wise travel restrictions. Some US states like the State of Hawaii have opened up travel to US residents. However, it is mandatory to undergo pre-travel COVID-19 testing. Hawaii travelers who test negative prior to departure can avoid the 14-day quarantine on arrival. Remember, only test results from trusted testing and travel partners such as Urgent Care Hawaii will be accepted as proof to bypass the quarantine period.
5. Participate in Traditions in Safer Ways
’Tis the season to reconnect with our people and culture, so if you are unable to meet with your loved ones in person, make time to celebrate with them virtually. Be sure to block your calendar specifically for the event, though! Share recipes with your granny, binge-watch those classics with the family, and shop for gifts online — find safer ways to make merry with your o’hana!
As Dr. Sara Davis, Medical Director, Urgent Care Hawaii, puts it, “Engaging in creative yet low-risk activities is your safest bet to cherish the holidays during COVID-19 times.”
