Hosting big events like birthdays and family get-togethers is fun, especially if you’re the type of person who loves to go all-out on food and decorations. Unfortunately, throwing parties and other events was highly discouraged when the World Health Organisation declared the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) as a global pandemic in March 2020.
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that mainly spreads from person-to-person transmission. People can get exposed to the virus, mainly through airborne transmission of particles. This is why travel restrictions and lockdowns were imposed to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Two years after the pandemic, however, restrictions are starting to ease up. With people following COVID protocols, as well as the wider availability of COVID vaccines and boosters, having social gatherings is gradually being allowed. Nevertheless, hosting parties in 2022 will never be the same. You need to take extra measures to reduce the spread of the virus and ensure that your guests aren’t exposed to it.
If you’re hosting a party for the first time after restrictions were loosened, here are 6 party hosting tips to help you stay safe in 2022:
1. Provide Enough Soap, Hand Sanitisers, and Disinfectants
Research shows that promoting good hand hygiene is an effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19. Washing your hands with soap and using hand sanitisers can kill the coronavirus, as well as other pathogens that could affect your immune system. Using disinfectant sprays is also an excellent way to eliminate all pathogens that have contaminated the surfaces in your home. That’s why it’s a good idea to stock up on soap, hand sanitisers, and disinfectants, so your guests can use them during the party.
Purchasing several of these items at once can be expensive, however. Luckily, there are a lot of grocery stores and supermarkets that offer buy 1 get 1 free deals, so you can easily purchase them in bulk without going over your budget.
2. Ensure the Place Is Well-Ventilated
COVID-19 spreads faster in enclosed spaces, so you need to make sure that your home is adequately ventilated. Keeping the windows wide open will help reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants in your home, and allow them to escape outside. A well-ventilated space also prevents virus particles from landing on surfaces, reducing surface contamination.
If you’re uncomfortable hosting a party indoors, another great idea is throwing the event in an open space like your garden. The fresh outdoor air is constantly moving, so it’s more effective in dispersing droplets.
3. Keep the Guest List Short
Mass gatherings are COVID-19 transmission hotspots because crowded places put you in closer proximity to other people, increasing your risk of getting exposed to the virus. Thus, downsizing your guest is a great way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmissions. It’ll also ensure that you and your guests will have enough space in your home to practise good physical distancing.
4. Follow Physical Distancing Guidelines
Speaking of physical distancing, you have to make sure that you and your guests are following the protocols during your party. Physical distancing limits the spread of COVID-19, as well as your exposure to airborne droplets. You also have to be at least one metre away from each other, whether you’re having a casual conversation or eating at the table, to further reduce the risk of transmission.
5. Remind Everyone to Mask Up
Wearing a face mask is an important part of controlling the spread of the coronavirus. Since COVID-19 can be transmitted by an infected person’s droplets (e.g., sneezing, coughing, or even talking) face masks can limit the volume and travel distance of the respiratory particles. Face masks can also protect the wearer from COVID-19 exposure, as well as help prevent children and immunocompromised persons from contracting the virus. It’s a good habit to always wear your face mask during the party, until you have to lower the mask for eating or drinking.
There are various types of face masks designed to help you fight against the spread of COVID-19. Some of these masks include the following:
- N95 masks
- KN95 masks
- Disposable masks (can be doubled up)
6. Make Sure Everyone’s Vaccinated and COVID-Free
Before you even start preparing for the party, you need to make sure that your guests are fully vaccinated and are COVID-free. Asking them to take a COVID test beforehand and showing proof of vaccination will help ensure everyone’s safety during the party. You might also want to purchase a temperature gun, so you can check your guests’ temperatures before they can enter your home. When everyone in your party is fully vaccinated and has tested negative on their COVID tests, then you can party with less worry.
The coronavirus has put a damper on a lot of people’s party plans but now that COVID restrictions are starting to loosen, everyone can get together for parties again. However, this doesn’t mean that the pandemic is over. COVID-19 is still out there and if you get careless, you and your guests can spread or contract the virus. If you use these party hosting tips, you can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and ensure that you and your guests are having a good time.
