The coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted our ability to safely gather with others. Our inherent human need, however, is to have community and interact. Many people have been forced to cancel important gatherings and events such as weddings, parties, ceremonies, and traditional family get-togethers. Alas, there might be a way to compromise and still safely host your gathering within guidelines and protocols. Being informed, when making decisions about planning or attending an event, is your greatest power in this season.

Please note that in the Covid19 context, there is no ‘zero risks’ gathering. We should rather take precautions to protect ourselves and others from getting infected.  

Regardless of the size of your gathering, the virus can spread, especially in poorly ventilated settings. As a starting point, we would suggest planning a gathering outdoors ensuring lots of ventilation. Marquee tents and gazebos are great ways to host your guest outdoors.

Covid19 Preventative measures during gatherings:

• Keep at least 1 meter distance from one another
• Make mask wearing compulsory
• Avoid crowded or badly ventilated settings
• Have a little speech where you include the proper way to sneeze and cough
• Make sure alcohol-based sanitizer is easily available at entrances and exits
• Ensure a sufficient supply of soap/handwash in your bathrooms, as well as tissues and paddle step bins with lids.
• Keep your gathering as small as possible
• Limit the timeline of your event
• Encourage verbal greetings, rather than physical touch.

The past year and a half have been tough on us South Africans because we are notoriously social creatures. This too shall pass, but for now, let us keep each other safe and explore new ways in which we can engage with one another.