The discovery of the Omicron variant has led to more coronavirus uncertainty in the UK, at precisely the time of year when people are looking to gather for the festive season.
Both the Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, and the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, have said that there is no reason to change plans yet, but have urged people to get vaccinated and get their booster when they can.
However before their comments, the head of the UK Health Security Agency, Dr Jenny Harries, had suggested that people should start considering not socialising "when we don't particularly need to."
READ MORE: Boris Johnson at odds with Covid expert over whether people should socialise
This has led to many people asking how they can improve the safety of any gatherings that they end up having over the winter months.
1. Get vaccinated and take your booster when you qualify
The effect of the vaccines on the Omicron variant is still under investigation. However, we know that the vaccines currently in use in the UK are very effective against the Delta variant, which is, for now, the most prevalent in the UK.
Getting yourself vaccinated and encouraging your colleagues to get vaccinated will help keep everyone safe, reducing the chances of people becoming infected, getting seriously ill and needing to go to the hospital.
The Zoe Covid study states that "not only does your vaccine help to protect you, it also protects those around you who aren't yet vaccinated. This includes children and people with weakened immune systems who don't respond as well to the vaccine."
2. Get everyone attending to take a Lateral Flow Test
Lateral Flow Tests are free, easy to get and can give you a strong indication of whether or not the people attending your Christmas party are infected with Coronavirus.
By encouraging all attendees to take a lateral flow test no more than 24 hours before coming, you can help reduce the risk of anyone attending having the virus without knowing and passing it on to other guests.
You can order LTFs to your house or pick them up from a pharmacy by visiting the NHS website.
3. Increase ventilation
Good ventilation is a great way to try and mitigate the spread of coronavirus at your Christmas party, should someone infected arrive.
Gov.UK states, "When a person infected with COVID-19 coughs, talks or breathes, they release droplets and aerosols which can be breathed in by another person. Meeting outdoors vastly reduces the risk of airborne transmission, but this may not always be possible. If you're indoors, you should let fresh air in to reduce the risk of catching or spreading COVID-19."
"The more fresh air you let into your home or other enclosed spaces, the less likely a person is to inhale infectious particles."
"You can let in fresh air by uncovering vents and opening doors and windows. Opening your windows for just 10 minutes, or a small amount of time continuously where you can, makes a significant difference. This is particularly important before, during and after meeting people you do not live with indoors."
4. Wear a mask where you are required to and consider going further
As of Tuesday, November 30, face coverings are now mandatory in England's retail, takeaways, and public transport settings ( amongst others ).
Gov.UK states that "The best available scientific evidence is that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets, helping to protect everyone."
For example, if you are travelling with other colleagues on public transport, wearing a mask will help prevent them (and others) from becoming infected.
Consider also wearing a mask in locations where you are closely packed together in spaces that aren't well ventilated. For example, in the toilets of the venue where you plan to hold your Christmas party.
Some masks (like high-grade FFP3 masks) may also help protect the wearer and those around them. If you are organising the Christmas party (and have the budget to do so), consider providing some masks for those who want to wear them.
5. Provide sanitiser and encourage good hand hygiene
Gov.UK tells us that one of the ways infectious diseases, like Covid-19, can spread is "through surfaces and belongings which can also be contaminated when people who are infected with an illness cough or sneeze near them or if they touch them, the next person to touch that surface may then become infected."
This means that encouraging good hand hygiene is very important when keeping those at your event safe.
If your event venue does not already provide them, you could consider providing hand sanitiser for guests at key points, like on tables or by entrances or exits.
6. Instruct anyone who is unwell not to attend
If anyone planning to go to your Christmas party is showing even mild symptoms associated with Covid-19, it is important that they do not attend until they have had a negative PCR test result.
You can book a free PCR test via the relevant Gov.UK web page.
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