With COVID-19 still impacting individuals throughout the world, it’s important to consider safety when celebrating the New Year. Whether you spend the holiday solo, with a small group, or in a larger gathering, keeping New Year’s Eve safety tips in mind will ensure you fully enjoy this celebration while minimizing risk.
Celebrating The New Year
Ideally, celebrating the New Year with those who live in your household is best. If you plan to host an event, keep your guest list as small as possible to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. You might also consider asking guests to get tested a few days before attending the event.
Hosting a Party
If you are hosting a party:
- Ask guests to mask up during the evening. Have extra masks on hand and make sure guests know that they must be worn, unless eating or drinking.
- Set up hand sanitizer stations for your guests.
- Stock all bathrooms with hand soap and disposable towels.
- Disinfect bathrooms throughout the evening to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19.
- Practice food safety and avoid shared dishes or buffets. Instead, consider individually portioned snacks or meals to minimize using shared serving utensils.
- Set up tables or eating areas that are at least six feet apart from other guests and encourage those who live in the same household to eat at the same table.
- Have the numbers for reliable transportation services including local taxis, Lyft and Uber.
Attending a Party
If you are attending a party:
- Monitor your health. Do not attend if you have any signs of any illness before the party.
- Bring your mask and a sanitizer with you.
- If you notice anyone coughing or complaining about feeling ill, leave the party, or at least maintain a good distance from them.
- Ask you host about precautions they are taking to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 and if there’s anything you can do to help.
- Eat a meal before leaving home in case you aren’t able to eat the food at the party, or if there isn’t any food at the party.
New Year’s Eve Driving And Walking
- Drinking and driving don’t mix. Use a designated driver.
- Leave early, the later it gets in the evening, the higher the chance of a drunk driving related accident.
- If you drive home, let someone know you are heading home, and keep them posted when you arrive home safely.
- Never drink and drive.
- If in doubt about your ability to drive, have a sober friend take you home, or take a taxi, Lyft or Uber home.
- Drive extra carefully when heading home and leave extra space between you and other cars just to be safe.
New Years Eve is also a dangerous night for pedestrians. Not only are drivers potentially impaired, but those on foot can also ignore traffic lights or crosswalks. If you are walking, make sure to stay on pedestrian paths and observe traffic laws. Cross at crosswalks and try to remain in well-lit areas. If you are driving, take extra care to consider those on foot.
Whether you spend the holiday solo, with a small group, or in a larger gathering, celebrate safely Alaska. Ensure you fully enjoy the arrival of 2022.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: Love to Know; Better Homes and Gardens; Center for Disease Control; Alaska Department of Transportation
Image Source: Adobe Stock Images
