Want to see your friends? California issues new guidelines for small gatherings

WANT TO SEE YOUR FRIENDS? CALIFORNIA ISSUES NEW GUIDELINES FOR SMALL GATHERINGS

California residents no longer have to limit their gatherings to only people in their households.

Anticipating an uptick in social events as the holiday season approaches, the state eased its guidelines for private gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic, now allowing people from up to three households to meet up for less than two hours.

But there are some rules. The gatherings must be held outside, hosts must collect contact information for contact tracing in case of an outbreak, and everyone is required to wear face coverings and maintain social distance. 

The new rules strongly discourage people from singing, chanting, shouting, or playing wind instruments, as those activities increase the release of potentially infected droplets.

People should not attend gatherings if they feel sick or are in a high-risk group, the state says.

Governor Newsom reminded people that easing of restrictions does not mean going back to normal gatherings. It is meant to provide some guidance.

City and county health policies may correspond with, or override, the state’s rules. So it is crucial to follow the updates from your local officials as the holidays approach. We all hope to be with loved ones during the upcoming Thanksgiving but given the recent uptick in national cases, we must exercise caution.

Prerana Sangani, MD, October 12, 2020