The new party rules: How to safely host a backyard gathering

“Is it possible to party in a pandemic?” asked and in The Washington Post. “Some experts say it can be done—with plenty of caveats, of course.” No gathering is without risk, and you shouldn’t be considering having eight people in your dining room for a lengthy three-course meal. Smaller numbers are better and outdoor get-togethers are recommended; think having a couple or two over for drinks in a space where you can remain 6 feet apart. Whatever your plan, communicate in advance the size of the party and what the rules will be, including regarding masks. Some hosts now wisely ask dinner guests to bring their own food, drinks, and tableware. That might feel ungenerous, but “go easy on yourself. No one expects elegance right now.”

If you do choose to provide all the food, “chips and dip are a terrible idea” and buffets are also out of the question, said

in The New York Times. Instead, limit contact with shared surfaces by having one person do all the serving. Encourage hand hygiene by making sanitizer easily available, but don’t worry too much about people stepping inside to use the bathroom. Covid-19 in the end is primarily spread not via surfaces but by air, so you limit risks to the degree you can. Keep the bathroom ventilated, encourage mask use, and provide disposable towels and a pump soap.