If you are hosting a gathering
Remind guests to stay home if they are sick:
- Remind invited guests to stay home if they have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days or are showing COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone who has had close contact with a person who has COVID-19 should also stay home and monitor their health. Invited guests who live with those at higher risk should also consider the potential risk to their loved ones.
Encourage social distancing:
- Host your gathering outdoors, when possible. If this is not feasible, make sure the room or space is well-ventilated (for example, open a window). Arrange tables and chairs to allow for social distancing. Avoid gatherings in basements which often have poor ventilation and limited square footage for people to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
- When guests arrive, minimize gestures that promote close contact. For example, don’t shake hands, do elbow or give hugs. Instead wave and verbally greet them.
Wear masks:
- Wear masks when less than 6 feet apart from people or indoors.
- Consider having extra masks available for guests or ask them to bring their own.
- The U-M Face Covering Policy for COVID-19 requires that face coverings are worn by all students, staff, faculty, and visitors anywhere on campus grounds; the face covering must cover the mouth and nose. This includes inside buildings, outdoors and on U-M transportation.
Clean hands often:
- Consider providing hand sanitizer in addition to clearly marked hand washing areas.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when entering and exiting social gatherings. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Make sure there is adequate soap or hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol available in the restrooms and encourage guests not to form a line at the door. Consider also providing cleaning supplies that allow guests to wipe down surfaces before they leave.
- Use single-use hand towels or paper towels for drying hands so guests do not share a towel.
Food and drink:
- Encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks.
- Provide individual servings of food or drink. Avoid providing any food or drink that comes from a common source (potluck, shared beverage containers, etc.)
Have sober hosts on site who can address any issues that may occur
Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items:
- Use touchless garbage cans or pails.
- Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and any shared items between use when feasible.
Attending a gathering
Prepare before you go:
- Review this Social Gathering Guide for the best experience. As we engage in old and new U-M traditions with COVID precautions in place, people may have a range of reactions.
- Stay home if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (symptoms of COVID-19), if you are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
- Check with the host to learn if they are taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Prioritize attending outdoor activities over indoor activities and stay within your local area as much as possible.
- Bring supplies to help you and others stay healthy—for example, masks (bring extra), hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and drinking water.
Use social distancing and limit physical contact:
- Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet or more from people who don’t live in your household. Be particularly mindful in areas where it may harder to keep this distance.
- Select seating or determine where to stand based on the ability to keep 6 feet of space from people who don’t live in your household, including if you will be eating or drinking.
- Avoid using restroom facilities at high traffic times.
Wear masks:
- Wear a mask when interacting with other people to minimize the risk of transmitting the virus.
- Wearing masks is most important when social distancing is difficult.
- Masks are strongly encouraged in settings where individuals might raise their voices, such as shouting, chanting, or singing.
- The U-M Face Covering Policy for COVID-19 requires that face coverings are worn by all students, staff, faculty, and visitors anywhere on campus grounds; the face covering must cover the mouth and nose. This includes inside buildings, outdoors and on U-M transportation.
Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items:
- Use touchless garbage cans or pails.
- Avoid any self-serve food or drink options, such as buffets, salad bars, and condiment or drink stations.
- Use disposable food/drink service items including utensils and dishes.
- Do not share a vape pen/e-cigarette because COVID-19 can be easily transmitted this way.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer immediately before eating food or after touching any common surfaces like hand railings, payment kiosks, door handles, and toilets.
Alcohol and other drug use:
- Avoid sharing vape pens/e-cigarettes. COVID-19 causes mild symptoms for many. But people with underlying health concerns, including respiratory problems related to smoking or vaping, may be at higher risk for severe symptoms.
- Avoid or limit alcohol and other drug use to maintain good decision-making, to support your immune system, and to protect yourself and our community.
This information was adapted in part from the CDC's Personal and Social Activities.