Party is risky 80 times over

DearAnnie: My husband has a huge family. They gather every year between Christmas and New Year’s Eve in a hotel for at least three days. They are planning to do so this year, during the pandemic. So far, most of them plan on going, which would be almost 80 people. They are coming from Florida, Ohio, Massachusetts, Washington and Maryland. I, of course, will not be attending.

I don’t think they will cancel their gathering, and I fear that my spouse or our child will contract COVID-19 and be contagious when they return.

My spouse says he’s going no matter what and taking our child, too. I’ve told him I think it’s irresponsible, and he knows I have health issues that would make me vulnerable to the virus and probably not survive it.

I take every precaution, including washing hands, wearing a mask, sanitizing and avoiding stores (I actually have groceries delivered). Could you give me advice on how to convince my spouse that going is irresponsible? It is putting not just our child’s health at risk but also other people’s and mine. If both of us get COVID-19, our daughter may end up with only one parent or no parents.

— Not Willing to Risk It Dear Not Willing to Risk It: I don’t blame you one bit. A get-together of 80 or more people from different states is not responsible right now.

Your husband is being short-sighted, especially since the vaccine is already being shipped across America and will be available to all of us during the upcoming year.

Promise him that you will attend the next family reunion with bells on.

If he still insists on attending, then when he returns, he and your daughter must quarantine for 14 days and get tested.