Social isolation has emerged as a crucial tool in the fight against the spread of infectious diseases. Hosting a party has always been a fantastic way to meet new people and have a good time, but the pandemic has made it difficult to get together with loved ones and friends in a secure setting. 

Not all options for celebrations involve drive-by parades. The ideal site might be a nearby pub or restaurant with lots of outdoor space. Smaller guest lists and six feet between tables are ideal for an interior celebration, even if they have a modest outdoor area. Social distancing guidelines for party panning is not that tricky job to do.

Signs and safety strips that encourage social distancing serve as a gentle reminders to visitors. Safety strips are easily installed, releasable reminders to maintain a safe distance from others. They are visible even from six feet away because of their varied sizes, shapes, and vivid colors. Make sure there are enough chairs for guests if the location only has small tables.

Knowledge of Social Distancing

In order to stop the spread of contagious diseases, keeping a safe physical distance from other individuals is known as social distancing. This can be done by avoiding close contact with other people, spending as much time at home as possible, and keeping at least six feet between you and others when you’re out in public.

Infectious disorders like COVID-19 cannot proliferate in society without social isolation. We can lessen our risk of contracting the virus and passing it on to others by keeping a safe distance from other people.

Social isolation reduces the likelihood of the virus spreading from one person to another. A person who is sick can spread the virus by exhaling microscopic droplets when they cough, sneeze, or speak. These droplets may fall to neighboring surfaces or may be ingested by close individuals. We can lessen our exposure to these droplets and stop the virus from spreading by keeping a safe distance from other people.

Recognize the dangers

Even though there can be a lot of fun, gatherings can be dangerous during a pandemic. The likelihood of the virus transmitting from one person to another increases when people congregate near together. This may result in outbreaks and a rise in cases, which could strain healthcare infrastructure and endanger vulnerable groups of people.

When an infected individual talks, coughs, or sneezes, respiratory droplets are the main means of virus transmission. These droplets have the ability to fall to the ground and stick to surfaces and objects for hours or even days. A person can contract the virus if they contact a contaminated surface before touching their face.

The risk of transmission can be effectively decreased through social isolation. People can reduce the likelihood of respiratory droplets spreading between people by keeping a distance of at least six feet and avoiding close contact. Even when hosting a party, it’s critical to adhere to social distance rules to protect you and others.

Choosing a suitable location

For a safe party to be held during a pandemic, the correct location must be selected. There should be enough room for guests to keep a separation of at least six feet from one another in order to allow for social distancing. Here are some things to take into account when choosing a location:

Size

The space should be adequate to hold the amount of people you intend to invite while also allowing for social distance.

Ventilation

Since there is more natural ventilation and less risk of transmission outdoors, it is generally safer to be there than inside. Consider opening windows or utilizing fans to improve airflow if you’re throwing a party indoors.

Accessibility

Visitors should be able to find the place, and it should have enough parking or transportation choices.

Cleanliness

Pick a place with access to hand sanitizer and other cleaning materials that is tidy and well-maintained.

Take into account elements like the weather and accessibility to restrooms if you’re holding an outdoor gathering. If you’re throwing an indoor party, think about how the room is set up and whether it encourages social seclusion. Make your guests feel safe and comfortable by picking the ideal location.

Verify the laws of the local and federal governments

Check advice and guidelines from regional and national authorities as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) throughout the planning phase. 

Updates differ from state to state and are always changing. An upcoming event can be suddenly affected by a local government regulatory change. Some important things that should be kept in mind while while planning an event are mentioned below:

Organize shorter guest lists

We are unable to provide advice on the acceptable size of guest lists, which will vary depending on local government laws. The largest change in event hosting at the moment is undoubtedly this. A reduced guest list does, however, allow for more intimate conversation with friends and family. With fewer attendees, more time may be spent with loved ones

Select an outdoor location 

To prevent direct contact between attendees, it is ideal to conduct activities outside or in an open area (this can even be your backyard!). These kinds of locations will provide greater room to keep visitors at a safe distance. If tables are required, it is better to space them apart (with six feet between each) and only seat 5–6 people per table. State-by-state variations will exist for this rule.

Install sanitation facilities

You can set up small stations with trash cans for simple disposal, hand sanitizer, disinfection wipes, and the entry to the event area. You don’t have to let these cleaning stations spoil your party’s decorations! In fact, you can use your creativity to decorate the stations to match the party’s theme.

Make use of face masks

Using masks (medical or cloth face covers) will assist stop the transmission of any unneeded pathogens among attendees and any event workers. Depending on your state’s laws, attendees should cover their faces as they enter and move about the event area. In order to eat and drink, attendees can remove their masks while seated at tables in small groups. 

Serve food in individual portions

To prevent sharing utensils and passing dishes at events right now, fewer buffets, limited food stations, and individual servings are all smart ideas. The COVID-19 virus will be less likely to spread among visitors if food is served on individual plates or as an appetizer.

Activities and entertainment

It’s crucial to pick safe party activities during a pandemic that permit social seclusion. Here are a few concepts:

Consider socially isolating:

Outdoor games like horseshoes, cornhole, or frisbee if you’re hosting an outside gathering.

Individualized activities: 

To avoid using communal surfaces, provide each visitor their own personal activity, such as coloring books, puzzles, or board games.

Virtual games:

Take into consideration holding online competitions for charades or trivia. To communicate with your guests, use a program for video conferencing, such as Zoom or Skype.

Movie night: 

Arrange an indoor or outdoor movie showing with each visitor seated in a specific area.

Providing individualized entertainment options:

To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, providing individualized entertainment options for guests is important. Here are some ideas:

Gift bags: 

Create personalized gift bags for each guest with individualized activities like coloring books, puzzles, or board games.

Party favors:

 Consider providing guests with individualized party favors, such as mini-games or activity kits.

Personalized snacks:

 Provide guests with their own individual snack bags to prevent sharing of food.

Virtual party options:

If you’re uncomfortable hosting an in-person party, consider hosting a virtual one. Here are some virtual party options:

• Virtual happy hour: Host a virtual happy hour with your friends and family, where everyone can enjoy drinks and conversation from their home.

• Virtual game night: Use video conferencing software to host virtual game nights, where guests can play games like charades, Pictionary, or trivia.

• Virtual dance party: Host a virtual dance party and create a playlist for everyone to dance along to.

• Virtual cooking party: Host a virtual cooking party, where everyone can cook their own meal together while connected through video conferencing software.

Cleanup After the Party

After your socially distanced party has ended, it’s important to clean up properly to reduce the risk of spreading any germs or viruses. Here are some guidelines to follow for post-party cleanup:

Proper sanitation and cleaning guidelines:

It’s important to thoroughly clean and disinfect any surfaces that were touched or used during the party. This includes tables, chairs, door handles, light switches, and any other commonly touched areas. Use a disinfectant that’s approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and follow the instructions on the label for proper use.

Disinfecting surfaces and common areas:

Focus on high-touch surfaces and areas, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and dining areas. Use a disinfectant spray or wipes to clean these areas thoroughly, paying close attention to any surfaces that were in direct contact with guests.

Disposing of trash and waste in a safe and sanitary manner:

Make sure to dispose of all trash and waste in a secure and safe manner. Use tied trash bags securely and place them in a designated area for pickup. If there are any items that need to be disposed of in a specific way, such as recyclables or hazardous materials, make sure to follow the proper guidelines.

By following these social distancing guidelines for party planning, you can ensure that your party cleanup is done safely and effectively. Remember to wash your hands frequently throughout the cleanup process to reduce the risk of spreading any germs or viruses.

FAQ

Q1.Can I host a party during COVID-19?

It is generally not recommended to host parties during COVID-19 as it can increase the risk of spreading the virus.

Q2.What is the maximum number of guests I can invite to my party?

The maximum number of guests allowed at a party varies by location and local guidelines. 

Q3.Do I need to provide PPE for my guests?

Providing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as masks and hand sanitizers is not mandatory but highly recommended to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. 

Q4.Can I have a buffet-style meal at my party?

It is not recommended to have a buffet-style meal as it increases the risk of contamination and spread of the virus. 

Q5.How do I handle non-compliant guests at my party?

It’s important to communicate your expectations and guidelines to guests before the party. If a guest is non-compliant during the party, approach them calmly and remind them of the guidelines. 

Conclusion

With the proper planning and rules, organizing a party for socially isolated people may be a secure and fun experience. Several important factors are to consider, including pre-party preparation, communication guidelines, food and beverage safety, inventive ways to keep social distancing guidelines for party planning and clean up after the party. You can arrange a successful and secure event that everyone can enjoy by adhering to these rules.