University Of Iowa Hospital & Clinics recently issued the following announcement.
Thanksgiving is behind us, and the race to the new year is on. With colder temperatures, flurries in the air, and the holiday season upon us, so too is the season of holiday parties and gatherings, both at work and at home.
Although the festive spirit may be in the air, it’s important to remember that COVID-19—and the flu—remain present in our community.
With that in mind, can—and should—we hold holiday parties this year?
Here’s what you should know
Traditional holiday gatherings at work are not recommended. If you do gather, make sure you follow the steps below to make it as safe as possible.
Gathering or hosting an event outside of work or with friends and family? These guidelines are still helpful reminders on keeping the season safe.
Avoid offering food during the event
If you plan on having food at an in-person event, items should be pre-packaged and used as takeaway only (i.e., grab a cookie on your way out the door to enjoy safely in your office). Avoid buffet-style food options or potlucks where germs can spread more easily.
Make sure you have adequate space for attendees to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from each other during times when masks need to be removed to eat.
Looking for more general tips on how to eat safely at work? Check out this article on The Loop.
Keep groups small
Keeping gathering sizes small is important for any event, especially those indoors. Events should be limited to the number of participants that can effectively socially distance themselves from one another.
Remember, outside visitors are limited for UI Health Care facilities. This means that spouses, children, and other guests should not attend events within our facilities.
Support hand hygiene
Have hand sanitizing stations readily available throughout the event. Make it easy for those in attendance to use hand sanitizer. It may seem simple, but it can greatly reduce the transmission of germs on shared surfaces.
Keep your distance
If you do hold an event in person, remember to stay at least six feet away from others, if possible, especially when indoors. Choose larger venues to allow for distancing, and take any steps possible to improve ventilation in indoor spaces.
If social distancing cannot be achieved effectively, you may want to consider moving the event to a virtual format.
Wear your mask
Like social distancing, wearing a mask is an extremely effective way to limit the transmission of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the flu, and others. In our patient care facilities, face masks are required.
Get vaccinated
Getting vaccinated is an important way to keep yourself and others safe. If you haven’t yet received your COVID-19 vaccine (or booster) and would like to, call the University Employee Health Clinic at 319-356-3631, option 3. You may also email employee-health@uiowa.edu to request an appointment.
The virtual option
Although in-person meetings (with masks) are still permitted, try to use virtual options if you are able.
Limiting the amount of in-person contact is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of sickness-causing germs of all kinds.
Speak up
As a meeting or event organizer, make sure that you know these rules and feel comfortable talking to other attendees about safety. Consider having the host or speaker remind the group of safety best practices before the event starts. And if you’re attending an event, don’t be afraid to remind others of how they can help keep themselves and others safe.
Original source can be found here.
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