As we approach New Year’s Eve, the CDC is strongly urging everyone to remain at home. Yes, we are still in the midst of a pandemic. This should be common sense by now. If you thought the guidance would be anything other than “stay home,” you’d be mistaken. The CDC is keeping it professional, but I’m not afraid to be blunt.
After nearly a year of witnessing friends, family, and neighbors ignore COVID-19 safety protocols, we find ourselves in the holiday season once again, facing the anticipated rise in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. If anyone believes that New Year’s Eve will somehow differ from Thanksgiving or Christmas—both of which saw a surge in air travel despite ongoing health concerns—they are likely in for a rude awakening. In my town, local bars and restaurants are promoting their extravagant NYE parties, and it drives me a bit mad while I stay cozy at home with only my immediate family.
In light of this, the CDC is kindly asking everyone to stay put and engage in safer, alternative activities when the clock strikes midnight. Apparently, the lessons of this pandemic have not fully registered with many, as the CDC continues to remind us of what constitutes safe behavior during a time when airborne transmission is a major concern. Spoiler alert: heading to that crowded bar for a mask-free celebration is not the answer. Hospitals nationwide are reaching capacity, with some even treating patients in unconventional spaces because of overwhelming demand. If party-goers insist on indulging in a fancy dinner followed by a gathering with others, they might soon find themselves without a place to go when they require medical attention. Cool, right?
Let’s also be honest—going out on New Year’s Eve often isn’t even that great. Crowds of intoxicated revelers, bartenders who would rather be with their friends and family, and the chaos of packed venues are hardly appealing. I’d much prefer to relax in my pajamas with snacks and a good movie, pandemic or not.
For those who feel the need to gather with people outside their household, the CDC has shared some guidelines to make it safer. These include wearing masks, limiting guest numbers, asking attendees to bring their own food and drinks, providing extra masks, and, most importantly, contemplating whether the gathering should be canceled altogether.
Ultimately, if celebrating New Year’s Eve is important to you, take every precaution to ensure that you can enjoy many more in the future. Stay. Home.
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Summary:
As we approach New Year’s Eve, the CDC is urging everyone to stay home due to the ongoing pandemic. The increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths highlights the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. Instead of attending crowded gatherings, the CDC recommends safer alternatives to ensure future celebrations are possible.