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South Africa currently has just under 10 million fully vaccinated people and counting. But there are still many people that aren’t vaccinated. Vaccinations don’t prevent people from getting Covid but they and the most vulnerable immunocompromised may still get a nasty version of Covid-19.
But Christmas is fast approaching and it’s possible to revert once again to ‘normal’ where we can all hug, celebrate and be near each other.
But safety during the festive season should still be considered, especially for those who are still reluctant to drop all social distancing measures. Here’s how you can celebrate safely and include all residents and estate staff:
1. Consider your Covid risk
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Are you aware of the number of Covid cases in your immediate community, town or even city? Tweak your events and manage expectations based on whether Covid-19 rates are increasing or decreasing. If they’re increasing, consider things like masks and social distancing or potentially even cancelling events all together.
2. Use the great outdoors
The days are getting hotter and soon we’ll all want to spend more time outdoors, which is a great way to reduce the chances of spreading Covid.
Instead of hosting events indoors, consider organising events like a Christmas walk or fun run around the estate and picnics. Choose sports games with minimal contact with others such as golf (easily done on many estates) rather than games like rugby.
3. Online games
While many may now crave face to face interaction now that Covid-19 rules are being relaxed around the world and travel is on the rise again, there are some that will crave the comfort and protection of their homes.
Consider hosting some online events to include all the residents in your estate. These can include things like quiz nights, zoom choirs, online game nights and virtual happy hour sessions to name but a few. Or why not do something different like a virtual campfire, where you can send s’mores to people in advance.
4. Do a Covid-secure Secret Santa
If you as the estate manager want to organise a Secret Santa, consider health and safety. To avoid the risks, consider wrapping presents individually and quarantining them three days before distribution.
5. Reduce the risk of contamination
When it comes to invites, Christmas wishes and sending out thank you cards, reduce the chances of contamination by sending out virtual cards. Not only could you reduce the chances of spreading Covid and other germs, but you will also help to save the planet.
Plus, there’s less stress – when you’re sending holiday cards online there are of course no postal deadlines! Consider using websites like paperlesspost.com, kisseo.com and bluemountain.com.
6. Organise an outdoor movie night
If your estate is big enough and has an accessible field that can host lots of people, why not consider hiring a drive-in cinema which will allow people to have an outdoor picnic where social distancing can occur.
If you don’t have the space, consider hosting the event close by the estate. There are a few companies that offer such a service. Movienight.co.za offer pop up cinemas while others like Africa Sky Cinema, for instance, offer inflatable movie screens.
These can be set up anywhere. Africa Sky Cinema say it takes one hour to set the cinema up and can even be located on a beach or the bushveld.
For very smaller gatherings (10 people or less) companies like rocketpartyhire.co.za, which is based in Johannesburg, offer outdoor cinema packages from R1,850 to R4,000 depending on the number of people and if you want to hire extras like a popcorn machine. They do cater to large events too and can be contacted for a custom quote.
Covid secure events for all
Hosting a Covid-19 secure event that everyone can participate in is possible provided you know the rules and do all you can to minimise interaction.
Be sure to investigate whether you need to have a special license for events such as fun runs, etc., particularly if you decide to do them outside of the estate.
If you’re in any doubt about the risks, it’s always a good idea to bring in event specialists and risk assessors to give you an idea of whether an event that you have in mind can take place safely.
