Chief’s Column: Don’t invite COVID-19 to your Christmas celebration

During this holiday season, many individuals will be playing it safe by restricting their exposure during gatherings because of the Coronavirus. Some however may choose to ignore the warnings we have all received and take their chances to celebrate with family, friends and coworkers.

The Grafton Police Department would like everyone to stay safe and healthy this holiday season and offers the following suggestions on holiday gatherings from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This and more information may be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/winter.html.

CDC offers the following considerations to slow the spread of COVID-19 during small gatherings. These considerations are meant to supplement, not replace, any state or local health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which all gatherings must comply.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR SMALL GATHERINGS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household (who are consistently taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19) poses the lowest risk for spread. Your household is anyone who currently lives and shares common spaces in your housing unit (such as your house or apartment.) This can include family members, as well as roommates or people who are unrelated to you. People who do not currently live in your housing unit, such as college students who are returning home from school for the holidays, should be considered part of different households. In-person gatherings that bring together family members or friends from different households, including college students returning home, pose varying levels of risk.

Organizers and attendees of larger events should consider the risk of virus spread based on event size (number of attendees and other factors) and take steps to reduce the possibility of infection. Several factors can contribute to the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 at small in-person gatherings. In combination, these factors will create various amounts of risk:

• Community levels of COVID-19 – High or increasing levels of COVID-19 cases in the gathering location, as well as in the areas where attendees are coming from, increase the risk of infection and spread among attendees. Family and friends should consider the number of COVID-19 cases in their community and in the community where they plan to celebrate when deciding whether to host or attend a gathering.
• Massachusetts reduced gathering size limit for gatherings at private residences and public venues – In Massachusetts, indoor gatherings at private residences are limited to 10 people and outdoor gatherings at private residences are limited to 25 people. The limit on gatherings held in public spaces and at event venues is 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. It also requires that all public gatherings (regardless of size or location) must end and disperse by 9:30 pm.
• Exposure during travel – Airports, bus stations, train stations, public transport, gas stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces.
• Location of the gathering – Indoor gatherings, especially those with poor ventilation (for example, small enclosed spaces with no outside air), pose more risk than outdoor gatherings.
• Duration of the gathering – Gatherings that last longer pose more risk than shorter gatherings. Being within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more greatly increases the risk of becoming sick and requires quarantine.
• Number and crowding of people at the gathering – Gatherings with more people pose more risk than gatherings with fewer people. The size of a holiday gathering should be determined based on the ability of attendees from different households to stay 6 feet (2 arm lengths) apart, wear masks, wash hands, and follow state and local health and safety laws, rules, and regulations. (MA Regulations & Orders posted above.)
• Behaviors of attendees prior to the gathering: Individuals who did not consistently adhere to social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart), mask wearing, handwashing, and other prevention behaviors pose more risk than those who consistently practiced these safety measures.
• Behaviors of attendees during the gathering: Gatherings with more safety measures in place, such as mask wearing, social distancing, and handwashing, pose less risk than gatherings where fewer or no preventive measures are being implemented. Use of alcohol or drugs may alter judgment and make it more difficult to practice COVID-19 safety measures.

Please remember, if you do attend a holiday gathering, don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver who will not be drinking alcohol or make plans to have a taxi or rideshare service bring you home when the gathering is over. Let’s all stay healthy and safe during this holiday season.

Happy Holidays from the members of the Grafton Police Department.

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.

Chief of Police