Although it seems as if life is finally getting back to normal in the wake of Covid-19, this may not be the case for everyone, including some of our own neighbors right here in the U.S. People that are old, sick, or immunocompromised still run the risk of experiencing severe and potentially fatal symptoms if they contract the lingering virus, so it’s important to keep other people’s fears and comfort levels in mind if and when you decide it’s time to start hosting gatherings again. Keep reading for some tips on how you can entertain guests as safely as possible when social distancing this summer, while still making sure everyone has a good time.
Start Small
Again, it’s important to keep in mind that even though many Covid-19 gathering restrictions have been eased or lifted in recent months, some people are still worried, and they have every right to be. When entertaining guests this summer, it’s best to start small: invite only a handful of close friends, family members and neighbors, and make sure they know not to bring any additional people without asking first. It also might be a good idea to set boundaries with your guests before they arrive. If you’re not comfortable with something (or vice versa), make sure this is communicated openly before the gathering or set ground rules when you send out the invitations.
Food and Service
Another certainty of Covid-19 is that, for now at least, the age of high-touch food buffets is over. Instead, consider asking your guests to bring their own food, prepare disposable meals for each person beforehand, or just have everyone buy their own takeout meal. While any experienced host can relate to wanting to tend to their guest’s every need, especially in a friendly, personal way, it’s better to play it safe and allow party-goers to fetch themselves a soda this summer, in order to minimize direct contact.
Socially Distant Activities
The biggest advantage to hosting socially distant guests this summer is that the warmer weather allows for more activities outdoors, which is the ideal location for any gathering in the foreseeable future. Some popular outdoor activities that could easily accommodate social distancing include marshmallow-roasting by the firepit, a follow-along painting workshop (make that a paint and sip night for the adults!), or a karaoke party where one or two people go up at a time. It’s been a rough year and a half for everyone, so do your best to keep the atmosphere light and reassure your guests that, despite the unusual circumstances, they are welcome and wanted.
Dr. Barbara Edwards, a Princeton MD is the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health, providing quality care to uninsured and under-insured New Jersey residents in Mercer and Middlesex counties.