For the first time in three years, Quebecers will probably be able to celebrate Christmas or kick off the year without any restrictions. If these parties will be good for morale, the experts nevertheless call for caution. Here are their tips for celebrating big, but smartly.
1) Stay informed
Even if the temptation can be strong to take advantage of the Holidays to cut themselves off from the world, experts are asking Quebecers to keep themselves informed on the evolution of viruses in the province.
“And if there is an explosion of cases, we should change our way of acting”, pleads Benoit Barbeau.
He notes that the transmission of COVID-19 has slowed in Quebec, which is avoiding an eighth wave for the moment. However, the flu virus could play spoilsport, as could a host of respiratory viruses that will have fertile ground during Christmas or New Year’s Day gatherings.
2) Stay on the lookout for symptoms
All the experts agree: stay home if you have symptoms.
“It is especially necessary to avoid that people who have symptoms find themselves in parties of 40 people”, explains Roxane Borgès Da Silva of the School of public health of the University of Montreal.
“Whether it’s COVID-19, the flu or the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), it’s sure that people will catch it if a person with symptoms shows up at a party,” says the researcher.
The microbiologist and infectious disease specialist at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, Karl Weiss, appeals to the “common sense” of Quebecers. “Don’t invite your 90-year-old grandma if you have the flu. But five years ago, I would have told you the same thing”, he underlines.
3) See seniors first
Epidemiologist Nimâ Machouf says that it would be a “very good idea” to favor visiting grandparents or other more vulnerable people first.
She suggests not waiting until you’ve attended three or four gatherings and taking the risk of unknowingly carrying a virus, or even having to cancel a visit because of symptoms that have just appeared.
Planning visits to loved ones in CHSLDs or those who are immunosuppressed, for example, at the start of the holiday season helps to limit the risks.
“Take your precautions so as not to be the person who sends someone to the hospital”, illustrates, in turn, Ms. Borgès Da Silva.
4) Wear the mask, if necessary
Although often unpopular, wearing a mask is useful at gatherings to reduce the risk of virus transmission, experts say. But above all, we must accept it and respect it if a loved one asks us, believes virologist Benoit Barbeau.
We must think about the “collective good”, adds Ms. Borgès Da Silva. If you want to enjoy a gathering at all costs despite symptoms, she strongly encourages wearing a mask and distancing yourself from others, especially during meals.
5) A little quarantine before
To impose a small quarantine of a few days before a party would be “ideal” according to Nimâ Machouf.
On the other hand, the epidemiologist recognizes that in practice, this may not be realistic for the majority of Quebecers.
However, she believes that isolating yourself before a gathering helps limit the risks, because a person will be less likely to contract a virus and be contagious without knowing it.
6) Go play outside
Depending on the cooperation of Mother Nature, experts suggest that Quebecers maximize outdoor activities.
Virologist Benoit Barbeau points out that the risks of transmission are increased tenfold if 30 people crowd into a room indoors rather than in the open air.
However, La Belle Province has no shortage of winter activities to entertain the whole family.
7) Thinking about toddlers
The many viruses in circulation could quickly spoil the party this year, especially if protective measures are not taken at the level of toddlers.
“We don’t want to increase parents’ anxiety either, but we can take steps to protect our children well,” said Dr. Christos Karatzios, pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Even if the need to meet and feast as a family arises, it is important to monitor everyone’s state of health. If your child is unwell, blowing his nose or sneezing, it’s best to stay home.
“The best way to have safe parties is to be vigilant,” he added.
To avoid contamination, it is necessary to disinfect common surfaces, door handles and children’s toys. Parents can also ensure that children share their toys as little as possible.
If you notice a child starting to cough, it is recommended that you put a mask on them or simply leave the celebration to prevent the spread.
8) Test yourself and heal yourself
Rule number 1 is to stay home at the slightest symptom, experts say.
“But I would give rapid tests to people who have symptoms, to make sure it’s not COVID-19”, explains Roxane Borgès Da Silva.
She believes that Quebecers should keep in mind the possibility of developing long COVID, where patients remain weakened with symptoms for months. “The more precautions we take, the more we help each other to preserve the health of our vulnerable loved ones,” she adds.
For his part, emergency physician Gilbert Boucher reminds Quebecers to follow and maintain their treatment plan during the holiday season to avoid emergencies.
In the past, he has witnessed people being hospitalized after forgetting some medication, because they were no longer at home, for example.
9) Immunize
“Vaccines remain a priority.” This is the watchword of virologist Benoit Barbeau. The UQAM expert points out that immunization remains the best way to avoid serious forms of disease and at the same time reduce hospitalizations.
Epidemiologist Nimâ Machouf adds that vaccination is particularly important for vulnerable people.
For Dr. Mathieu Simon, head of the intensive care department at the University Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology of Quebec, the vaccine should be part of the preparations for New Year’s Eve. “We get vaccinated to prepare for the party,” he suggests.
10) Open the windows… or the hood
Remember that COVID-19 circulates and the virus is transmitted through the air, experts say.
“Ventilate, open a window, ensure continuous air movement and avoid aerosol stagnation,” explains Benoit Barbeau.
And if it’s too cold, open the kitchen hood and turn on the ventilation in the bathroom, adds Dr. Nimâ Machouf. Good ventilation is crucial for any gathering at home, she says.