Last Memorial Day, we were still getting used to living in a global pandemic.
This Memorial Day, mandates for masks and social distancing are lifted in many places for people who are vaccinated – and people are excited to get outside, see their friends and travel. Over 200,000 travelers are expected to move through Raleigh-Durham International Airport this weekend.
On Thursday, just a few days before the start of the holiday weekend, NC hit one million COVID-19 cases.
However, with more people getting vaccinated, many people are making plans to gather, travel and spend time with groups.
Some people are concerned about how to safely navigate the busy weekend ahead. There are a lot of questions to ask. Are your guests vaccinated? How many people should you invite to a gathering? Where should you host groups? How can you stay safe while traveling?
Dr. Ibukun Kalu, an infectious disease expert at Duke, says she would suggest holding large gatherings outdoors.
"I think it allows people to more freely take off their mask," she said.
She says an indoor event might be possible, especially for small gatherings, particularly for fully vaccinated people.
That means a host might need to ask guests if they have been vaccinated.
Consider offering single-serving foods, so guests don't have to touch the same bowls and handles.
And remember to protect younger kids – who can not get a vaccine yet.
"Have a mask on hand for your younger kids," she said. "Those less than 12."
Tommy Dillard, who is hosting the holiday weekend as well as birthday celebrations for four granddaughters said she is planning a celebration that is extra special and extra safe.
She plans to grill out in the big backyard and let people eat on the porch.
"You know, we are spreading out everywhere so everyone feels comfortable," she said.
Could we see a spike in COVID cases after Memorial Day weekend?
WRAL News asked Dr. Kalu if she thinks there could be a significant spike in COVID cases after this holiday.
In this pandemic, COVID spikes have often come after holiday gatherings.
But Kalu believes we are in a different place now.
“Most of us, for the first time in the past year, are anticipating this might be the first holiday where we do not see that spike," she said.
It's because so many people are vaccinated.
“Your gathering may start with an awkward question: Have you been vaccinated? If the answer was no, you would need to put on a mask," she said.
For those having a smaller gathering of just a few people, congregating indoors might be okay, she said, if everyone has been vaccinated.
Kalu says talking about vaccines and masks as you get together is important.
“I hope people can bring it up as a way to make sure the gathering is safe," she said.
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May 28, 2021 at 03:37AM
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