Phase 2: Social Gatherings and Events
As we enter Phase 2 of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are eager to know how many visitors they can have in their homes. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the size of your home, the number of people who live there, and the level of risk that you are comfortable with.
Guidelines for Phase 2 Social Gatherings
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following guidelines should be followed for social gatherings during Phase 2:
- Limit the number of guests to no more than 10 people.
- Keep the gathering outdoors as much as possible.
- If the gathering is indoors, ensure that the space is well-ventilated.
- Avoid close contact with others.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Wear a face mask if you are not able to maintain a distance of 6 feet from others.
Considerations for Phase 2 Social Gatherings
In addition to the CDC guidelines, there are a number of other factors that you should consider when planning a social gathering during Phase 2:
- The size of your home: If your home is small, you may not be able to accommodate 10 guests while maintaining a safe distance.
- The number of people who live there: If you live with other people, you need to consider how many people you are comfortable having over.
- The level of risk that you are comfortable with: Some people may be more comfortable with having larger gatherings, while others may prefer to keep their gatherings small.
Tips for Hosting a Safe Phase 2 Social Gathering
Here are a few tips for hosting a safe Phase 2 social gathering:
- Set a guest limit and stick to it. It is important to be firm with your guest limit, even if people try to convince you to let them in.
- Create a designated gathering area. This will help to keep people from wandering around your home and coming into close contact with each other.
- Provide plenty of hand sanitizer. Make sure that your guests have easy access to hand sanitizer throughout the gathering.
- Encourage your guests to wear face masks. If you are not able to maintain a distance of 6 feet from others, it is important to wear a face mask.
Phase 2: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when hosting a social gathering during Phase 2:
- Ignoring the guest limit. It is important to stick to your guest limit, even if people try to convince you to let them in.
- Not providing enough space. If your home is small, you may not be able to accommodate 10 guests while maintaining a safe distance.
- Not providing hand sanitizer. Make sure that your guests have easy access to hand sanitizer throughout the gathering.
- Not encouraging your guests to wear face masks. If you are not able to maintain a distance of 6 feet from others, it is important to wear a face mask.
Phase 2: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Social gatherings can help to reduce stress and loneliness.
- Social gatherings can help to strengthen relationships.
- Social gatherings can be a fun way to spend time with friends and family.
Cons:
- Social gatherings can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.
- Social gatherings can be stressful for some people.
- Social gatherings can be expensive.
Conclusion
Social gatherings during Phase 2 can be a great way to connect with friends and family, but it is important to do so safely. By following the CDC guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, you can help to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
