General COVID-19

Ideas for Safe Summer Celebrations Whether You’re Vaccinated or Unvaccinated

We think it’s fitting to say that we’re all ready to get back to celebrating holidays with family or traveling to visit friends and just enjoying each other’s company again. With new Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals, summer get-togethers are now possible. However, that doesn’t exclude those who haven’t received the COVID vaccine yet.

Whether you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated, Merry Maids® has the scoop on some summer celebrations that you can safely participate in to avoid spreading illness.

Some Things You Need to Know Before Attending a Celebration

There’s plenty of information circulating regarding the virus and how it can be transmitted. Many health experts have recommendations for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals looking to enjoy the summer surrounded by family and friends.

For unvaccinated individuals:

According to the CDC, one of the best ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to refrain from going to large gatherings if you feel sick or think you may be getting sick.
If you’re adamant about attending a get-together, inform the host of the party that you will be attending so they can plan accordingly and help make you and everyone else feel comfortable.
Continue to socially distance yourself and wear a mask to avoid contracting and/or spreading the virus.
Make sure the gathering is outdoors, as well-ventilated areas can help reduce the spread of germs.
Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds with soap and water to remove harmful bacteria and reduce the chances of taking the virus home with you.

For vaccinated individuals:

The CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people wait for at least 2 weeks after the second vaccine dose before attending celebrations or gatherings.
Fully vaccinated individuals aren’t required to wear masks or stay 6 feet away from each other, but it’s always a good idea to keep a mask on hand in case you encounter someone unvaccinated or in a high-risk group.
If you’re the host of the party, make sure to have clean masks on hand for anyone who may want one and wipe down high-touch surfaces to avoid bacteria from spreading.
Wash your hands regularly and keep sanitizer handy for personal use or to offer it to anyone who may need some.

Safe Summer Celebration Ideas

Reality TV or Sitcom Themed Beach Party

When we say a “themed beach party,” we don’t mean your typical luau summer beach party. We’re talking about a summer beach bash modeled after your favorite reality TV show or sitcom with all the fixings and decorations galore. After all, you spent too many hours inside this time last year. You deserve to enjoy the warm sand between your toes.

However, suppose you don’t live near or have the ability to travel to a beach. You can simply bring the beach to your backyard. Model your party after “Vanderpump Rules,” “Friends,” or “The Office” and include all the necessary décor, games, food, and sand—of course—to help put together a unique mock seaside soiree with your close friends. Just remember to keep the fun outside to ensure a germ-free environment.

Lawn Games Pool Party

Soaking up some rays next to a crystal-clear pool with your favorite people is a dream that’s safer than you think. From playing bean bag toss (or cornhole for you mid-westerners) to lawn darts, spending time outside with a small group of loved ones can help create a controlled space. The CDC says, “avoid crowds and indoor spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors.” If you’re inside an enclosed area, open windows and doors to bring in the fresh air, if possible.

And don’t worry about getting in the pool to cool off a bit, the CDC has found no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread in pools, spas, playground water, or hot tubs.

Outdoor Barbeque Dinner Party

Everyone loves a good outdoor barbeque with a touch of elegance, and the best part is there’s a low risk of getting sick with COVID-19 from eating or handling food (including frozen food and produce) and food packages, according to the CDC. The health agency has also developed four simple food safety steps to ensure you avoid food contamination or poisoning. So, whether you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated, you can enjoy the summer sun, good friends, string lights, sparkling cutlery, colorful chargers, and all the burgers you can eat without much worry of contracting a serious illness.

Regardless of how you spend your summer, who you’re with, or whether you’re vaccinated or not, the most important thing is to be safe and follow government health agency guidelines regarding masks and social distancing.

Our team at Merry Maids® continues to adhere to CDC regulations and enact cleaning protocols to ensure the health and safety of you and your family.

Contact us today to request a cleaning estimate and help you get your home ready for a summer gathering.