If you’re hosting the party, keep the guest list as small as possible, ideally just one or two outside of your household. Alternatively, if you have been invited to a party, try to find out how many people will be there and what size party you would be most comfortable with. Don’t feel compelled to stay on for the entire game. Dr. Marr suggested stopping by for a quarter to reduce exposure to others.
Finally, make sure the windows and doors are broken into. “Just a few inches can make a big difference in improving ventilation,” said Dr. Marr.
More ways to protect yourself and others
When you hang out with others, according to the CDC, there are general precautions you can take to stay as safe as possible. Avoid shouting, cheering loudly, or singing as this can increase the number of breath droplets in the air. Instead, clap your feet, stamp your feet, or use noise makers.
The CDC also recommends bringing your own groceries, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
When people drink too much alcohol, they can give up their vigilance or relax the rules. So, think about how the people around you behave and control how much you are consuming so that you can keep a clear head.
Don’t let yourself be lulled into a false sense of security. Even if everyone has been fully vaccinated, it may take a week or two after the second shot to achieve maximum protection. And while vaccinated people are less likely to get severe Covid-19, experts still don’t know if they can still pass the virus on to others, said Dr. Asaf Bitton, a general practitioner specializing in public health at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Finally, remember that negative Covid tests are not a guarantee of safety. The virus may not have been detectable on the day of the test, or the result could be false negative.
“Taking a test at some point just doesn’t give you the clarity you need to know that it is safe for your groups to come together,” said Dr. Bitton.
