Another pandemic year is coming to an end.
It’s New Year’s Eve, but due to the spread of the Omicron variant, many big celebrations in the region have been cancelled this year.
To mitigate the transmission of the virus and its variants, the province has reduced social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
It is asking residents to consider celebrating the New Year virtually or not attending any events if you are immunocompromised or at higher risk of severe disease and/or exposure to COVID-19.
If hosting a gathering, health officials say you should wear a tight-fitting mask and physically distance when gathering indoors with multiple households, regardless of their vaccination status.
Also, consider creating a list of guests attending the party in case your local public health unit needs it for contact tracing.
Indoor social gatherings
If you choose to host or attend an indoor social gathering, such as a NYE party:
- do not exceed the indoor social gathering limit of 10 people indoors
- have the fewest number of people possible
- consider participating virtually or not attending the event if you are immunocompromised or at higher risk of severe disease and/or exposure to covid 19
- wear a tight-fitting face covering or mask and physically distance when gathering indoors with multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or status is unknown or with people who are immunocompromised
- ensure supplies such as hand sanitizer and soap are available
- open windows for air flow if possible and ensure proper ventilation
- clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces
- ask guests not to attend if they have symptoms, even if they are mild. Anyone who is required to quarantine or self-isolate cannot attend
- consider creating a list of guests attending a gathering in case your local public health unit needs it for contact tracing
- follow any local public health unit requirements for your region
Outdoor social gatherings
If you choose to host or attend outdoor social gatherings
- do not exceed the outdoor social gathering limit of 25 people
- wear a tight-fitting face covering or mask if required, or if physical distancing cannot be maintained and the vaccination status of individuals in attendance is unknown
- avoid high-touch surfaces and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly or use hand sanitizer
- if you are singing or shouting, wear a tight-fitting face covering or mask and maintain physical distancing, where possible
- consider creating a list of guests attending a gathering in case your local public health unit needs it for contact tracing
- follow any local public health unit requirements for your region
When to wear face coverings
Even if fully vaccinated, you must wear a tight-fitting face covering or mask and physically distance when it is required, including at indoor organized public events and in indoor public spaces (with limited exceptions).
Face coverings should:
- cover your nose, mouth and chin at all times
- not have gaps, fit securely to the head, and be comfortable
Regardless of where you are, you can wear a tight-fitting face covering or mask and physically distance if you feel it is right for you, especially if you or others are immunocompromised or at high-risk of severe disease or exposure to covid 19.
While vaccination reduces the risk of severe outcomes, being fully vaccinated may not prevent spread of the Omicron variant.
Indoors
When gathering indoors:
- with a small group of fully vaccinated individuals, you can remove your face covering if everyone is comfortable
- with people from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or status is unknown, you should wear a face covering and physically distance
Outdoors
When gathering outdoors:
- with a small group of fully vaccinated individuals, no face covering or physical distancing is necessary
- with people from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or vaccination status is unknown, you should consider wearing a face covering if physical distancing cannot be maintained
For more guidance and details on local COVID-19 case counts, please visit the SMDHU by clicking here.