STEPS TO A SAFE CHRISTMAS DAY

Let everyone know: Speak to friends and family about your expectations and plans ahead of time. It’s OK to be assertive. It’s your home.

Think about numbers: The traffic light system and limits on gathering numbers applies to private functions and businesses. Under a red light, if you welcome eligible unvaccinated folks, the limit is 25, orange is 50. However, if you ask for vaccine passes, the limit is 100. Consider smaller groups. Consider vulnerable whānau: Do you have friends and family who have health conditions? Discuss with them what they would like to happen. Consider staying local, meeting in smaller groups and limiting contact with vulnerable folks to people who have been vaccinated.

Ensure public health measures are understood: Social distancing, mask-wearing in confined or poorly ventilated spaces, handwashing and sanitising all work: Make sure people are sanitising and washing their hands before touching food or food utensils, make sure you have enough space for the numbers you’ve invited, wash hands for 30 seconds, or two rounds of Happy Birthday, keep about 2 metres apart where possible, and if you’re not eating and you’re inside, consider keeping your mask on.

Ventilation: If possible, move your gathering outside. If you have to stay indoors, open the doors and windows to ensure good airflow.

Create a QR code: If someone with Covid has been at your home, your guests will be told and can self-isolate and get tested.You can print out your own poster at the Official NZ Covid tracer site.

Test and wait: If you are seeing vulnerable friends or family, consider getting a negative test back before visiting them. If you are feeling unwell, don’t go to the event. Get tested and wait at home until you get the results back.