The Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit says you don’t have to party for the holidays, if you don’t want to.
It says if you aren’t comfortable attending a Christmas party it’s okay to say no.
The health unit is also reminding residents that in Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen indoor social gatherings are limited to 25 people and 100 people outdoors.
It is important to remember that knowing someone does not reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 therefore, virtual gatherings or events are still the safest way to celebrate. Virtual holiday gatherings could include activities such as an ugly sweater contest, a Karaoke party, or an online trivia competition.
If you choose to host or attend an in-person gathering or event, take precautions to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
Physical distancing and wearing a face covering when indoors with people who are not part of your household continues to be the safest way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In addition we recommend that:
- Individuals who are NOT fully vaccinated against COVID-19 keep gatherings to only those within their household, unless physical distancing is practised and/or face coverings are worn.
- Individuals who ARE fully vaccinated are advised to keep gatherings to a small number of people outside of their household. For the protection of all, preferably everyone should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
If you are hosting a holiday gathering:
- Have the fewest number of people possible at your party or gathering and use outdoor spaces whenever possible. Do not exceed the gathering limits.
- Ask guests to NOT attend if they have symptoms, even if they are mild.
- Make a list of guests attending in case public health needs it for contact tracing.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
- Provide all the necessary supplies for your guests, including hand sanitizer, soap and water.
- Open windows, if possible.
- If you are serving food and drinks, wash your hands often while preparing and serving food and suggest all those gathered do so before and after eating.
If you are an employer planning a workplace or office gathering:
- Please visit our web section for guidance on planning a COVID-19 safe gathering for your staff.
If you are invited to a gathering:
- Stay home if you are ill, even if your symptoms are mild.
- If you are immunocompromised or at higher risk of severe disease and/or exposure to COVID-19, consider joining virtually or not attending the event.
If you are attending a gathering:
- Wash your hands often.
- Cover any cough or sneeze.
- Consider wearing a face covering if physical distancing is not possible.
Overnight guests:
- Ensure hand sanitizer, soap and water are available, and wash your hands often.
- Individuals from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or status is unknown should practise physical distancing (2 metres at all times) and wear face coverings.
- Hosts and guests from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or status is unknown should not sleep in the same bedroom and should use separate washrooms, if possible.
- Avoid singing or shouting, especially indoors.
- Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms (hosts and guest).
- Have a plan for what to do if someone becomes ill, even with mild symptoms.
Outdoor holiday events (tree or menorah lighting ceremonies, parades, New Year’s Eve countdown etc.)
Organizers:
- Encourage participants to be vaccinated.
- Where possible, provide handwashing stations and/or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60-90% alcohol content. Encourage participants to frequently wash hands with soap and water if possible and bring alcohol-based hand sanitizer to the event.
– Post signage to reinforce these messages. Sample signage can be found here.
- Consider hosting a drive-in or drive-thru event.
If attending an outdoor activity:
Attending an organized outdoor event is likely safer than an indoor event but the risk of COVID-19 spread is still there. If you choose to participate in outdoor holiday activities continue to follow these public health measures:
- Stay home if you are ill, even if your symptoms are mild. If you have COVID-19 symptoms get tested and self-isolate.
- Download the COVID Alert mobile app.
- Avoid crowds and maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres (6 feet) from anyone outside your household.
- Wear a mask or face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Sneeze and cough into your upper sleeve or elbow, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Consider alternatives (e.g. signs, banners) to shouting or chanting to avoid spreading droplets.
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