Socialize Safely

How To Socialize Safely

Social connections and strong relationships support mental well-being, improve sleep and build our immune systems. Use these tips to balance what you want socially (connection, belonging, fun, relaxation) without what you don’t want (illness for you or an outbreak in our community).

Everyday Actions to Socialize Safely

  • Check local guidelines before planning or attending a gathering. In-person gatherings are prohibited in some locations.
  • Where events are an option, the host is responsible for the conduct and safety of their guests.
  • Choose outdoor venues over indoor spaces – if indoors, ensure the area is well-ventilated.
  • Make gatherings small and short. Longer periods of time with more people create greater potential for transmission.
  • Tell guests about your precautions in your invitations (e.g. “masks required - provided for those who forget,” stay home if you’ve had recent symptoms or exposure, bring own food and beverages, no sharing cups, pipes, bongs, vape devices).
  • During the event, kindly and firmly ask people to follow the precautions.
  • Provide all necessary supplies – hand hygiene stations, hand sanitizer or soap and water, tissues, closed-lid bins, distance markers, masks.
  • Require and facilitate sanitizing steps at logical times/locations during the gathering (e.g. at the entrance, before touching food, after toileting, etc.)
  • Hosts should use good practices for cleaning and disinfecting before, during and after a gathering.
  • Minimize crowding by staggering arrivals and departures, numbering entries, designating seats/places and marking the floor to ensure physical distancing between people of at least 6 feet (e.g. chairs in driveways, around fire pits or large picnic tables)
  • If after the event anyone has symptoms or tests positive, please support contact tracing efforts.
  • Play games that allow for physical distancing (corn hole, spikeball, tennis, golf etc.). Mark out the playing area to reinforce 6-foot distancing.

Apply these tips to every gathering you plan to attend or host. Remember, COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Many people infected with COVID-19 don't have symptoms but can still spread disease.

What About Sex During COVID?

Many people have questions about sex during COVID. Please see this COVID-19 and Sexual Health handout for more information.