People around the world are rolling up their sleeves and sticking it to COVID-19 by getting COVID vaccines. The vaccines have given people a new lease on life! Friends and families have begun to reunite after spending time apart. We are beginning to embrace all the little things in life we once took for granted such as live music, live sports, physical touch, weddings, holiday gatherings, and simply being physically together. Although we are in a “new” pandemic normal, it’s not unreasonable to wonder, is it safe?

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as simple or straightforward as one would hope. This can be frustrating given that over the last year and a half, we have had to think twice as hard about every little decision. What makes the answer so complicated is all the different factors that come into play, such as if you or a loved one have health problems, is the event outside, is there a vaccine requirement, will there be masks, will there be a capacity limit, and finally how can I trust that I will be safe? Some events require that you show vaccination status and/or a negative COVID-19 test.

Ultimately, it comes down to what are YOU comfortable with? If you have taken all the necessary precautions, gotten vaccinated, followed guidelines, and most importantly taken part in good hand hygiene, it comes down to comfort. If you know that everyone at the event is vaccinated, you may feel more comfortable than if you are unsure about other’s vaccination status. You can always consider wearing a mask and/or getting tested 3-5 days after the event to be sure.

We encourage you to talk to your health care provider. They will have a better idea of how COVID-19 is affecting your community as well as your risks.

If you would like more information, check out the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on large gatherings.