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New Years Eve is an exciting time when we all gather to celebrate the ending of one year and the beginning of another. We share our hopes, plans and resolutions for the next 365 days of our lives.
And we’ve been waiting to get out of 2020 — the Covid-19 year, the wasted year, the year of crisis — more than any other year. But we can’t celebrate the arrival of 2021 like we normally would.
So how do we do it?
Space Mask turned to the CDC and its guidlines on the safest way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Here what’s we learned.
Not surprisingly, CDC’s recommendations for celebrating this holiday are more or less the same as those for celebrating Christmas.
The safest way to celebrate the new year during the pandemic is to celebrate it with the people we live with. Or we can celebrate it virtally with our family and friends online. After all, the one CDC advice that’s been ringing loudest on all holidays including Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas and now the new year is,
“Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.”
For those who still choose to host a get-together, CDC suggests hosting it outdoors with a very limited guest list, and while making sure everyone is masked. CDC also recommends keeping the background music low so that one doesn’t have shout to be heard (this limitsthe release of more droplets and their dispersion).
For those of us who’ve taken the vaccine, the rules for social distancing and masking remain unchanged, since we could still be transferring germs to others while being protected ourselves. The CDC states,
“While it is possible that some people may receive COVID-19 vaccines before New Year’s Eve, continue taking steps to protect yourself and others for some time to come.”
Vaccinated or un-vaccinated, we all still have to maintain a good social distance (at least 6 feet), wear a well-layered, snug-fitting mask, and frequently wash our hands.
The agency says that when attending a social event, masks must be worn regardless of whether we’re indoors or outdoors. Also, try and avoid any alcohol or drugs that may impair judgement.
If celebrating with people outside of your household, the CDC recommends everyone wears masks even when outside and wearing scarfs. Wear your mask under your scarf but do wear it.
Avoid crowds and poor ventilation, stay home if your unwell and definitely get a flu shot as soon as possible.
Since holiday travel can only increase the chance of catching the virus and simultaneously spreading it, CDC advises postposing travel plans.