People warned not to lower their guard against Covid-19 infection over long weekend |30 October 2021

People look forward to traditional events and this weekend there will be the traditional commemorations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day and gatherings with family and friends. However, these activities can increase the chances of getting or spreading Covid-19 or other illnesses.

The safest way to celebrate any event this year is to gather virtually or celebrate with people who live with you or are part of your household “bubble”. Even with family, outdoors is safer than indoors and stay at least 1.5-2 metres apart from others. Take steps to make your gathering safer.

Everyone can make an event safer

Wear a mask properly and snugly

- Wear you mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin;

- Wear it both indoors and outdoors;

- Safely store it while eating or drinking and put it back on after eating or drinking.

- Have extra, unused masks available; encourage / remind everyone to wear them.

Stay at least one to two metres away from others who do not live in your household

- Remember that some people without symptoms or with a recent negative test result can still spread Covid-19 to others.

- Keep 1.5 - 2 metres (about 1-2 arm lengths) from others, especially for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Wash or sanitise your hands often, including after buying or handling flowers and other objects

- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing and before eating. Dry your hands completely using a clean towel or by air-drying.

- If soap and water are not readily available, use wipes or hand sanitisers that contain at least 60% alcohol.

- Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.

- Carry water with you if necessary; wash or sanitise hands after buying or handling flowers or other objects.

Clean and disinfect washrooms and frequently touched surfaces and items between uses.

Get vaccinated

- Covid-19 vaccines can help protect you from Covid-19; get fully vaccinated as soon as possible.

At the church or cemetery

- Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces; if indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors.

- Avoid shouting or singing; keep music at low volume, otherwise, people will tend to move closer to each other to hear conversation.

- Limit the number of people you meet with.

- Have conversations with others ahead of time to set expectations.

- Use individual bottled water; do not use water dispensers; do not share bottles

- If you are sick or have been near someone who think they may have or have been exposed to Covid-19, stay home; Do not meet/mingle with others.

Consider other activities to remember your loved ones

Host a virtual meal with friends and family who don’t live with you

- Share stories or photographs about the departed family members or friends

- Have people share recipes virtually and show their dishes they prepared.

Watch television/videos and play games with people in your household

Other activities

- Participate in a gratitude activity, like writing down things you are grateful for in the departed family members and sharing with your friends and family.

- Take care of yourself and do something you enjoy, such as reading a book or taking a walk.

- Plan a celebration of the life of the departed person for the people you live with.

- Host a virtual gathering and reach out virtually to family, friends, and neighbours; throw a virtual concert/karaoke and collaborate with friends and family on a playlist.

- Volunteer to help others in need; maintain all preventive measures; send care packages to persons in home quarantine or in isolation

- Attend virtual or live-streamed religious and cultural performances/celebrations from your home

- Plan an outdoor activity at home with people who live with you, such as a clean-up.

- Share prevention messages with your friends and family.

Adapted from: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Updated March 18, 2021

National Centre for Immunisation and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases