This is the season to be jolly, strike the harp and join the chorus, as we used to belt out at Christmas celebrations. However this year is going to be different because now we have COVID-19. Should we gather indoors as usual, and spread the virus? Wired News asked on October 28, 2019. In other words, what are the protocols for upcoming social gatherings and COVID-19?
No Easy Answer for Upcoming Social Gatherings and COVID-19
So says Aderonke Pederson, a psychiatrist and behavioral scientist at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. ‘It’s a difficult situation to be in,’ she told Matt Simon, reporter for Wired News. That news site says gathering spikes are endangering our elderly, who are often the focus point of festive gatherings.
Matt Simon recommends discussing concerns with family about upcoming holidays. ‘There is no such thing as a perfectly safe way for families to gather, over the holidays or otherwise.’ But there are gradients of risk, he adds. Outdoors is better than indoors, masks are better and distance is an improvement over hugs.
The Trick is Applying the Same Precautions Indoors as Outdoors
Benjamin Singer, a critical care physician and pulmonologist at Northwestern Medicine gives the following advice. Approach upcoming social gatherings and COVID-19 at home the same way you do when away from home.
It may stress your heart strings to treat your loved ones the way you do strangers. However they are as likely to be harboring the coronavirus without knowing it. This awkwardly means social distancing – yes six feet and no hugs we agree with Matt Simon.
Of course, we can mitigate risks by testing before we meet. But that’s not a guarantee because of the time lag before symptoms show. Our best take on this is to distance ourselves from family because we love them. Because it’s sadly the best we can do for each other in these times.
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Preview Image: A COVID-Safe Christmas
