Doctor Paula Stewart says you should consider meeting with loved ones outdoors for the holidays.
The Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit says that may be the safest way to have a larger gathering right now, as the number of active COVID-19 cases in the region rises every day. “Just imagine going for a walk in the woods,” Doctor Stewart says, “the snow gently falling, you’re two meters apart, and you’re enjoying nature and you’re not even thinking about COVID.”
Doctor Stewart wants to encourage you to be creative and come up with activities you could do remotely over the holidays. “Last Christmas, I heard about people having charades,” she says, “with Teams or Zoom or one of those products that you can use to connect with people. People did cooking together. So, I think, be creative about how you can still connect with people, still have the sense that this is a really special time, and do it in a way that you’re gonna be safe.”
Doctor Stewart also has some advice if you’re planning to have people over indoors, saying it’s best to keep things small and in a well-ventilated part of your home. “If people aren’t vaccinated,” she continues, “then they need to be for sure wearing a mask.” She also recommends not having everyone crowd around the table, to maintain social distance.