Holidays bring excitement, glad tidings, and cherish-able moments that are remembered for a lifetime, this time the holidays come with a looming threat of death, despair, and melancholy which should be avoided at all costs. In this sense, SouthAsia magazine has identified a series of safety precautions for you to adopt this Christmas, so you can celebrate with maximum safety while the pandemic is still claiming lives and affecting the world with grave danger. SouthAsia recommends that you restrict yourself and your loved ones’ mobility and social interactions as much as possible and respond to the call of being prudent. Health specialists have reviewed the initial safety measures and have set the maximum number of people for meetings at six or fewer people, except for the Christmas holidays, where a maximum of ten people can get together. Similarly, the smart lockdowns may also be relaxed on the Eve of Christmas, at New Year's Eve, and leading to the Twelfth Night respectively.
In this short article, we have reviewed the essential safety measures, which are to be maintained even though you might not want to adhere to them. However, for you and your loved ones’ safety following these simple guidelines can assure that you benefit the most while celebrating Christmas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Limited Gatherings
With the emergence of the mutated COVID-19’s second wave, it will be more than wise that you restrict your holiday meetings to a limit of a maximum of six people except for the Christmas holidays that start from December 24 and ends till January 6. On these days the meetings of family members and friends may be of a maximum of ten people, including children.
Avoid Traveling During Lockdowns
The selected or smart lockdowns are still maintained in different parts of the cities, however, there will be some relaxation on the nights of December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 31, in which the lockdown will be relaxed, and the night of the Twelfths ( January 5). So be sure you do not go all out and put yourself at much greater risks.
Coming Home for Christmas
The border closure of Pakistan is maintained for international travelers, but returning to one’s family home will be allowed to those who are outside of Pakistan for work or study reasons. Within Pakistan, movement is limited to the regions, except where you have a second residence or a relative’s home. Those who come from outside Pakistan must provide a negative PCR test, in compliance with the measures established by the local Government.
Senior Citizens Can Enjoy Outdoors
Senior Citizens will be able to go out and celebrate the holidays at the homes of their relatives, according to the protocol approved by the Government. However, outings must be for a minimum of three days and the elderly may only have contact with a single family of relatives for safety reasons.
Restaurants Are a No Go Area
We recommend that you order food and let it be delivered to your residence to avoid any risk to your health. If your favorite restaurant doesn’t have a home delivery service, make sure you dine after observing their safety measures for the customers. For example, the tables must be a maximum of four people (six if they belong to the same family) and there must be a minimum distance of two meters between the tables. The use of breathing masks must be mandatory at times when you do not eat or drink. It is recommended to use outdoor restaurant settings like terraces, rooftops, or even gardens to reinforce the free air ventilation of those restaurants.
SouthAsia Magazine cares a lot about you and your loved ones’ safety and being the leading information provider in the South Asia region felt compelled to keep you updated as you celebrate Christmas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Happy Holidays, and Stay Safe!
Very comprehensive and well written blog.