Updated November 16, 2020
The colder fall and winter months are when we traditionally get cozy, connect with family and friends, and share special foods and drinks to celebrate the season.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we might need to review and adjust our plans to ensure we prioritize safety and good sense to protect our friends and loved ones so they can join us for many more celebrations to come.
Commit to staying home when possible
Many of us are facing choices about whether or not to gather for celebrations, game days, or other seasonal events. Edit: Governor Inslee has prohibited indoor social gatherings with people outside your household through December 14, 2020. Outdoor gatherings must be limited to less than five people from outside your household.
Gathering in groups—even with people we know—may spread COVID-19. The safest action, especially if you’re in a high-risk category, is to avoid in-person gatherings at this time. The more people we interact with at a gathering and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the risk of becoming infected. Anyone with a fever—or who has had other symptoms, or knows they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 within the last two weeks—should stay home.
Create new traditions
We may not be able to gather in person, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t have meaningful gatherings.
- Virtual dinner! Thanks to mobile technology, you can set up your phone or tablet at the dinner table and use a free video conferencing app to join up with family and friends outside your household. Or, set up a video call with a relative while you both share in the cooking of a favorite family recipe.
- Go for a family walk! Burien is blessed to have beach, forest, urban park, and city walking options! Go to WABI Burien to find inspiration for a walk or to our parks page to find a new park visit.
- Watch sports, parades, and movies from home. Bonus, the snacks are better! And if you need that social experience, start a group text or chat while you watch the big game.
- Shop online and shop local! We’ll be sharing tips and stories in the next few weeks on ways to continue to support our Burien businesses while staying safe.
While our celebrations and gatherings may look a little different this year, your continued vigilance will help turn the tide against the COVID-19 pandemic. Be kind to yourself and know that your sacrifice today helps keep our Burien community healthy and safe!
