The days are longer, the sun is warmer, we’ve been social distancing FOR MONTHS. We. Are. Ready. For. Fun. Woop! Woop! We want sunshine and cookouts. We want someone, other than our reflection, to talk and laugh with us. We want, we crave, SOCIALIZATION… yeah, but we don’t want to get sick either. What to do…what to do…
For starters, if you are going to socialize, limit it to people who you feel confident have been taking the same precautions as you. It will help ease anxiety as we loosen our restrictions.
Keep your get together small. If possible, invite people that have been quarantining together. Decreasing how many different households are represented by one or multiple people will decrease the overall risk.
Plan for outdoor gatherings. This is safer than a bunch of people being crammed in to one room. Also, have everyone eat with their “quarantine family”. It would also be safer to use disposable plates/cups/cutlery (it literally pains me writing this because of the waste, but there are biodegradable options.)
You still want to do some of the basics: keep hand sanitizer and use it frequently. If it is a larger group, you can even set up a “sanitation station” (plus it’s fun to say). Everyone should still be wearing masks and keep the recommended social distance from one another.
And, while there are a list of “no-no’s”, no finger foods, no sharing drinks, no contact sports, it is still fine to serve food off the grill (although for side dishes, they should bring their own), and it’s safe to share a swimming pool.
Don’t trouble yourself with wiping everything down after everyone leaves. Make sure everyone throws their own garbage away and just let the lawn chairs and tables sit outside for a few days. The elements will render the virus inactive (non-infectious) after a few days.
Here’s a quick recipe we’re sure you’ll love from Chef John
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/254948/chef-johns-grilled-mojo-beef
Dr. Mike
Brooke Rieth FNP
