For many of us, celebrating Christmas means gathering around the table with family and friends, enjoying food and opening presents.
Photo via The Star
This year, though, the holidays won’t quite be the same, with the COVID-19 pandemic raging on.
Because of this, the Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association says we need to be more cautious.
The safest thing you can do this Christmas season is stay home.
But that doesn't mean you can't have an enjoyable, scaled-down celebration while still taking measures to be safe.
Here are tips for staying safe while celebrating this holiday season.
1. Stay at home and limit travel
Photo via delish.com
If you’re from a red zone or an area with a high number of cases, its best to stay put indoors and not travel, to avoid infecting others.
But if you decide to head out, as they’re no longer travel restrictions… know where you are going and what the infection risks are there.
2. Take additional precautions if you’re hosting a gathering
Photo via CBC.ca
Limit the number of people at your party and cut down the length of time everyone is together.
Also, require guests to wear face masks, keep a distance and wash hand frequently.
3. Play it safe, if you develop Covid-19 symptoms
Photo via Harvard Health Harvard University
If you do have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or have recently come into contact with a Covid-19 positive individual, then it’s best that you isolate yourself and get screened for Covid-19 as soon as possible.
4. Avoid crowded outlets or malls when Christmas shopping
Photo via Bangkok Post
If the shopping mall is too crowded, you should consider returning at an off-peak time, or perhaps just do your gift shopping online.
You must wear a face mask and minimize time spent inside shops if you can’t physically distance.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Shopping Malls Association has assured a safe shopping experience for shoppers with the implementation of additional safety measures.
For example, security staff will remind shoppers to maintain a safe distance between one another.
Here are some important SOPs to take note of:
- Open houses are prohibited during this festive season throughout the entire country, except on Christmas Day.
- If you’re celebrating in landed homes, you should have no more than 20 guests, non-landed homes with an area of less than 1,500 square feet can only have 10 guests, while houses with an area of 2,500 square feet and above can have a maximum of 15. However, all guests must be close family members.
Catch up, laugh and enjoy each other's company — but don't be afraid to let your guests know that it's time to say your goodbyes.
By: Roshini Ravindran
