Gathering Safely

It may be safe to gather in your area, with no rules or regulations from local authorities on social gatherings.

Here’s what you need to know about gathering safely for weddings and other social occasions after more than a year of coronavirus.

LISTEN TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Some states have already lifted capacity bans on public places and others may have restrictions. Restrictions vary widely and municipalities or venues can require other things – such as masks – beyond state rules. In some places, fines for breaking the law are steep, so make sure you follow all the requirements.

LISTEN TO THE CDC

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing a mask, maintaining six feet of social distance and avoiding large crowds. The CDC says that, when planning your event, to consider factors such as the number of COVID-19 cases in your community, exposure during travel for you and for your guests, the setting of the event, the length of the event and how people behave.

For instance, a safer event would be held in a community with low or decreasing infection rates, with little or no travel, outdoors with lots of ventilation and space for guests to social distance. The amount of time everyone is gathered in one spot, such as during wedding vows, would be limited.

USE COMMON SENSE

If you go ahead with an in-person gathering, keep the crowd as small as you can. Encourage mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing and sanitization. Opt for prepackaged food instead of passed plates or a buffet. And limit the amount of time people are crowded together in one space. •