How to Celebrate Labor Day Safely During COVID-19
5 Tips to Celebrate the End of Summer Safely
Image courtesy of Antoine Gatien via Unsplash
For many, Labor Day is a three-day weekend to celebrate American workers and give a tribute to the end of summer. However, a weekend full of camping trips, backyard barbecues, and family gatherings will look a lot different this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak. While these activities are still possible, the use of face masks, social distancing and smaller gatherings are ways to celebrate the holiday weekend in a smart and safe manner.
With locals and visitors eager to keep the Labor Day traditions alive, we have created tips on how to enjoy the holiday weekend safely.
Stay Outside
The value of staying outside is extremely beneficial to stopping the spread of the coronavirus. There is a greater amount of air flow traveling outside than inside and it is easier to remain socially distant. Spending time outside puts yourself and others at a lower risk of spreading the coronavirus. Camping, backyard barbecues, swimming, or playing outdoor games are great ways to celebrate Labor Day weekend and practice social distancing.
Tips for Food and Beverage
While serving food or beverage at a party or backyard cookout, be sure to avoid getting too close to the food dishes when serving to guests. Other ways to avoid close contact with food is to have one person thoroughly wash their hands before and after they prepare the food. Placing a helping of food on a plate or bowl and placing it 6 feet from everyone gathered is another tip to enjoy an outdoor event while maintaining physical distance.
For beverages, a safer route is for everyone to bring their own drink and avoid shared bottles or pouring pitches. If you insist on pouring a cocktail or beverage into someone else’s glass, here is how to have a distance-but-shared pour.
Celebrate Virtually
Instead of traveling and gathering in large groups of people, celebrating Labor Day weekend virtually can be both a comforting and an enjoyable alternative. Spice up the party/video chat by decorating the outdoor or indoor space (which ever you prefer) and dressing up for the event! To make the video chat even more exciting to attend, coordinating and preparing the same appetizers or snacks makes virtual gatherings even more realistic.
Travel Safely
For many, traveling during the three-day weekend is a tradition for families to get together and celebrate one last hurrah of summer fun. If you or your family plans on traveling during the holiday weekend, it is important to stay safe and healthy by following travel safety tips courtesy of Red Cross. These tips provide travel and grilling safety and rip current information if you plan on traveling to the beach.
Limit the Size of Your Social Gathering
While planning a get-together or backyard celebration, be sure to consider limiting the amount of people at the event. The more people closely packed together, the likelihood of the spread of the coronavirus will increase. To lower the risk of expose, limit the amount of people gathering and plan to be socializing outside verses inside.
Whether you devour in a backyard cookout, participate in a virtual party, or travel to see loved ones, we wish you a safe and delightful three-day holiday weekend!