According to PM, Boris Johnson, a group of up to six individuals in the United Kingdom now have the ability to hold and attend a socially distanced BBQ.
Woohoo, crack open the halloumi!
We can now also meet in gardens and parks for picnics, walks and fresh air, but as long as the different groups all keep the 2 metres apart rule.
However, the behavioural neuroscientists warn that people shouldn’t feel obliged to meet with friends and family members just because the government allows it.
But, What Is Physical And Social Distancing?
Social distancing is typically increasing the physical distance between you and other people to avoid the spread of virus. The virus being Coronavirus.
Staying at least two metres away from other individuals lowers the chances of contracting coronavirus.
What Are The Benefits Of Social Distancing?
Social distancing is vital for preventing or lowering the spread of contagious diseases like coronavirus.
What you probably already know is that the coronavirus can quickly spread via sneezing, coughing, as well as close contact.
By lowering the amount of close contact you have with your friends (and strangers), you will significantly reduce the chances of contacting Covid19 and transfer it to your family and within the community.
Who Needs Social Distancing?
Social distancing is vital for everyone, but the individuals who are at higher risks of the severe complications caused by the coronavirus needs to be extremely careful about social distancing.
The individuals who are at much higher risk of contracting the virus are:
- Older adults
- The individuals who suffer from extreme chronic conditions like diabetes, lung disease, and heart disease.
When Do You Need To Maintain Social Distancing?
The ideal time to start social distancing is before a virus like coronavirus becomes prevalent throughout your locality.
Every community’s scenario is exclusive.
Thus, it is essential to follow the rules and guidelines set by the health departments, local government, as well as the health care providers.
Should You Use Public Transport To A Gathering?
If you have the opportunity to walk or drive yourself to the even you’re going to, it will significantly lower the number of people you come across, and thus benefits you and the community alike.
However, if you must use a public means of transport, you need to practise social distancing and utilise other preventative measures such as wearing a mask, gloves and carrying hand sanitiser and wipes.
How to Host a Socially Distanced BBQ
Here’s how to host a socially distanced BBQ, whilst maintaining strict social distancing rules:
1. Think about your guest list
The first thing to think about is the guests that you would like to invite to your small gathering.
Here, it would help if you considered inviting the people who have been practising self-isolation, and high levels of cleanliness to avoid putting yourself and your family at risk.
It may sound strict, but you may be surprised to note that there are individuals who are close to you that are on the front line and exposed to higher risks of contracting the coronavirus.
As a result, it would be wise to be aware of the level of risk they may bring to you.
2. Ask your guests to come with their own condiments, plates and cutlery
The other thing you need to consider is to ask your guests to come with their own condiments, plates and cutlery.
This will lower the risk of contracting Covid-19 via touching the same items and surfaces.
3. Check the temperatures of your guests
It would be beneficial to check the temperatures of your guests as they arrive at your gathering.
If there is anyone with covid-19-like symptoms, it would be wise to isolate that individual and advise him or her to go back home.
Always follow the guidelines.
4. Have one person in charge of the BBQ tongs
It would be wise to make sure that only one individual uses the barbecue tongs.
There is indeed a lot of pressure on you to do more, especially when it comes to managing younger guests too!
It’s wise to think through the routine of the event beforehand so that you are not the only one doing all the running around and cleaning up after everyone!
5. Consider a one-way system when you’re serving food
It’s very wise to adhere to the concept of having one ‘route of travel’ to allow the guests to move one way around the BBQ.
This helps to reduce your guests getting too close, and reaching over each other to get their food.
As opposed to enacting hard and rigid rules to your friends, make the regulations funny, creative and imaginative.
6. Serve meals on plates from a good distance
It is essential to have food served on plates from a reasonable distance instead of having every person approach the grill.
In addition, you need to arrange the seats in advance for the guests to sit two metres apart from one another.
Also, instead of sitting face to face, people will need to sit facing one way to avoid the spread of saliva whilst chatting and laughing.
7. Encourage and facilitate good hand hygiene
When it comes to serving meals, it is essential to encourage good hand hygiene for both guests and hosts.
If possible, everyone needs to have access to handwashing facilities with soaps and disposable hand towels.
Washing hands for at least 40 seconds, and using sanitiser gel will ensure that the spread of any germs are reduced.
The Bottom Line On Hosting A Socially Distanced BBQ
The Prime Minister has now allowed UK people to host barbecues.
Now the level of lockdown has been reduced, you must stick to the cleanliness guidelines given by the health experts.
Since the coronavirus pandemic is far from over yet, whilst holding a gathering with your friends and family, please be sensible and keep everyone safe.
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