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Emily's COVID-19 Safe Gathering Tips

Written by: Emily Passfield, 4th Year Psychology 

Photo by: Mirko Vitali on Adobe Stock

Though it may seem almost impossible, there are ways to reduce your risk and still enjoy your time out during COVID-19. Humans are inherently social creatures, so this isolation has not been easy on anyone, especially when it pushes 2 years. This blog outlines some general methods of reducing risk, but it is important to note that CDC guidelines are more important to follow than my opinion. Regardless, these are some tips I have found that helped me enjoy socializing while still being safe.

Tip #1: Small Gatherings

Though it may seem almost impossible, there are ways to reduce your risk and still enjoy your time out during COVID-19. Humans are inherently social creatures, so this isolation has not been easy on anyone, especially when it pushes 2 years. This blog outlines some general methods of reducing risk, but it is important to note that CDC guidelines are more important to follow than my opinion. Regardless, these are some tips I have found that helped me enjoy socializing while still being safe.

Tip #2: Take it Outside

If possible, it is much easier to socialize outside where there is more open space and airflow. I know just as much as anyone how fun house parties can be, but when it is weather permitting, outdoor gatherings are much more convenient. I also like to make use of the nice weather before it starts getting dark at 5pm and drops below 20 degrees, so I opt for outdoor parties or gatherings as often as possible. The CDC also has reduced restrictions for outdoor gatherings, so in cases where the group extends past immediate family and close friends, it is much safer and easier to have everyone stay outside. If you aren’t able to socialize outside for whatever reason, open as many windows as you can to improve airflow and quality. When going out, opt for the patio if the option is available.

Tip #3: Solo Cups are a Student's Best Friend

What I’ve found during the pandemic is that they actually help to reduce the spread of COVID. In the past, I would allow people to use my glasses and mugs for drinks when they came over, but now I give everyone a solo cup and ask everyone to write their name on it. This ensures that everyone keeps their cup throughout the night or discards it after use. Having the name written on the cup also ensures that drinks are not drunk accidentally - it also makes it easier to clean at the end of the night!

Tip #4: Hand Washing

This may seem like overkill, but from my experience, it seems to have worked. As annoying as it may be, I like to ask everyone who enters my house to either wash their hands or use hand sanitizer. I trust the cleanliness of the people that I invite over, but I don’t trust the cleanliness of public transit or Ubers. By having everyone at least sanitize, it helps in part to reduce spread from third parties. Additionally, I take a Lysol wipe and clean any high-touch surfaces after my guests leave, as well as change the towels. If you have a guest bathroom, tell your guests that it is the only one available to ensure that you have your own private space that stays clean.

Tip #5: BYO_

Bringing your own drinks and snacks to a party helps to reduce how many items are shared. This ties in with point #3 about the reusable cups and helps to ensure that people are not sharing as many things. This also makes the gathering fairer, as everyone is responsible for providing for themselves.

Though these points may sound like overkill, especially since we have been hearing them non-stop for almost 2 years, it is important to remember, especially as cold and flu season approaches. Regardless of whether there is a pandemic, these tips help reduce the spread of many illnesses and can be used in multiple contexts.

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