How To Welcome New Year 2022 Amid Pandemic?
The year 2021 is finally drawing to a close. 2021 was extremely challenging for everyone across the world in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The year gave us all a crash course in washing our hands clean, living remotely through our routines, practicing physical distancing with all our loved ones, being very strong emotionally and mentally, the importance of financial setup, and coming up with new traditions for celebrating all our festivals.
But with the year coming to end and a new year gearing its beginning, the new variant cases are increasing and unfortunately, the spread of the virus is constant and is not relieving us in anyways. Remember, if you are planning to celebrate New Year's Eve, traveling and gatherings with family members and friends who do not stay or live with you can raise your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 infection.
Instead, you can do several other things that can make the celebration safest. Amid the Covid-19 spread spoiling the New Year, plans are just not done. Though lowering the risks is important.
But you can still celebrate. Let’s count on some imperative ways of how you can celebrate this New Year and make it utterly special.
- Get up and Dress up!
Who said that if you are partying from home or celebrating with family then you can’t dress us? Who said that you can’t dress to sit on the couch? If you have selected or searched for any typical outfit to go out and if not going then pull it out and wear it for NYE. Don’t need to change anything! Get up, Dress up and get the great photo session at home.
- Make a cheerful cocktail
Well, you can’t step out for the cocktail night then why not make one at home? You surely need a drink to toast at midnight, so make something special for this special occasion. The confetti champagne sippers are a good place to start! Rest is your choice and preference which one would you like.
- Host a video call with near & dear ones
Well, we all are dependent on virtual meetings now be it is work or education or whatever. Zoom calls and Google meets have made everything virtual so how we can stay behind with the New Year celebrations? Amid the pandemic situation, this is the only way to gather and connect with your loved one safe and sound.
It’s the time for video calls, how can we stay behind? If you can’t stay with them then at least make a countdown virtually and welcome 2022 together. Make it more special by dressing amazingly.
- Have the first course cook-off
Following the basic tradition of cooking the best food on the best occasions, you can follow the ritual for NYE as well. No doubt, you’ll be staying awake late at night then why not grab some snacks and bites prepared at home only? This will make you and everyone interesting in something good to eat.
You can ask different people to make different snacks and count the winner among all.
- Watch movies all night long
Binge time with a movie is a completely amazing thing. Maybe your celebrations get extravagant with movies and that’s okay. Watching a favorite or a new movie can stay you awake all night. Make sure you have some movies in a queue. Get ready to pop some popcorn, get some fries and drinks and continue the all-night movie marathon.
- Have a dance party
Any party is incomplete without dance and fun. Of course, you can dance your heart out at home as well. So, don’t lose your spirit get your roommates or family members together, and turn up the dance battle with them. Better you start selecting your songs now as New Year is around the corner.
- Decorate Your Home
Until and unless you haven’t decorated your home how will you feel that it is party time? A low-key celebration can be easily taken to next level with some light decorations. You will get some adorning pictures as well. Clear this in your head that you are just not making the mood for the night but the rest of the year, so make sure you are lighting it up.
You can get some theme selected and get the food and drinks accordingly.
- The family backyard bonfire
Well, the best way to kick the chilling winters is a bonfire and if you are sitting with your friends and family then the fun gets manifold. Though the government has laid some restrictions you can celebrate at home in the family backyard. Unlike hotel parties, you are restriction-free in your backyard and can sit for as long as you want. Sip and slip there only.
- Celebrating a Safe New Year Eve with Family and Friends
Staying home and celebrating with those you live with or virtual celebration with loved ones who do not stay with you is the safest choice this year. Avoid attending large gatherings this year.
Every person can do their part to ensure a safe New Year's celebration, whether they are hosting or attending a small gathering. Here are a few safety measures to be taken to keep the COVID-19 pandemic at howl
If you are hosting a party at your place
- Make sure all of your guests know what to expect before the celebration.
- Consider reducing the number of guests if possible.
- Make sure all the doors and windows are open if you're celebrating indoors. Try blowing the air out through a window fan if possible. Your open windows will allow fresh air to enter.
- Each time you use an item or a surface; you should clean and disinfect it.
- Provide disposable cups, plates, glasses, and utensils to your guests if possible
- Guests should have access to extra unused masks. Encourage everyone to wear them indoors and outdoors.
If you are attending a party at some other place
- Stay at home as much as possible. Do not attend celebrations with other people and stay apart from them.
- Make sure that you know what to do before, during, and after traveling if you are going out for a celebration.
- Food, disposable glasses, cups, plates, and utensils, as well as your drinks, should be brought.
- Consider single-use options if possible.
- When eating and drinking, wear your mask indoors and outdoors.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol, which can alter your judgment and make it difficult for you to follow COVID-19 safety precautions
Many states have already imposed restrictions on public gatherings in response to the increasing Omicron cases in the country. There are also new guidelines that some states have released for celebrating Christmas and New Year in 2022.
Karnataka has prohibited DJs from performing in New Year's celebrations, Mumbai requires party organizers to get written permission from authorities for gatherings, and the national capital has extended COVID restrictions until January 1. The following are new guidelines issued by various cities and states for the New Year and Christmas:
KARNATAKA:
Karnataka Chief Minister Besavaraj Bommai has already issued the guidelines related to the celebrations related to New Year with a clear NO to parties and mass gatherings from December 30 to January 2. These restrictions are for the city and public place gatherings. Clubs and restaurants will be opened with 50% of capacity. Also, the housing communities associations should ensure the rules are not violated there as well. The development comes because the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus has been reported so far in the state.
MAHARASHTRA:
Amid the increasing Omicron cases, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) urged the citizens to avoid the gatherings and parties in the upcoming New Year celebration. BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal warned that those who flout the rules will be severely punished. This stands the same for family functions and weddings as well. Maharashtra has so far reported 108 cases of the Omicron variant.
DELHI:
Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has extended the COVID restrictions such as the ban on social and cultural gatherings and the cap on bars and restaurants to operate with 50 percent of seating capacity. With the increasing cases of Omicron, several restrictions have been imposed on gatherings till January 1
Conclusion:
With the COVID-19 pandemic looming, we need to be cautious as we bid farewell to 2021 and welcome 2022. Having a healthy New Year is essential for everyone. It is best to follow the guidelines provided by India's state and central governments if you are celebrating New Year's Eve outside of your home. It has become even more critical for us to be extra cautious after the emergence of a new Corona virus variant.