Holding an Outdoor Gathering During COVID-19

It's late August, and Ohio's weather has already started to get pleasantly mild. The humidity of late July disappeared and it feels downright nice outside! However, this summer hasn't exactly been normal by anyone's standards. With COVID-19 still a major issue, we haven't been able to have the same big cookouts and such like in summers before.

The CDC has given guidelines on how to host an outdoor gathering safely. First and foremost, if you plan to have guests over, the CDC recommends reminding people to stay home if they’ve been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days or if they’re showing symptoms of the virus. Make sure that all invitees are on the same page and let them know what precautions you will be taking before the party begins.

The CDC recommends holding your party outside, if possible. Tables and chairs should be spaced out, although people from the same household can be grouped together. If you don't have enough tables and chairs, consider renting them from a party rental company. Having round tables will help with social distancing as well.

Try to focus on activities that allow for social distancing for adults and kids, like playing frisbee or doing sidewalk chalk art. It’s best to try to avoid close contact at all, the CDC says. Specifically, don’t shake hands, do elbow bumps, or give hugs. Instead, wave at your guests and verbally greet them.

The CDC recommends that guests wash their hands for at least 20 seconds when they arrive at the party and before they leave. Consider making hand sanitizer readily available at the gathering, and make sure there is plenty of soap in the bathroom and use disposable paper towels instead of having a fabric towel that everyone uses.

Think about how you'll prepare the food. Whether you're taking on the duty of grill master or assigning someone else to the task, it's important for the head chef to be healthy and free of all coronavirus symptoms.

Backyard barbecues usually mean communal bowls of chips and other dishes ready for anyone that anyone can help themselves to, and a cooler filled with cold beers, bottled water, and a carton of lemonade. Due to COVID-19, the community-oriented, help-yourself-style of serving is a thing of the past. But if you must have buffet-style food, the safest way to distribute food is to have one person designated to serve and for that one person to have meticulous hand hygiene.

Jones Rental Inc. is here to help you get the necessary party supplies. We have chairs and round and rectangular tables available for you if you live in the Ashland, Wooster, or Shelby, Ohio areas. 

Please know during this time of health concerns that we are taking time for additional cleaning and are taking every precaution for the health and safety of staff and customers. We are proud to offer curbside services to do our part and encourage social distancing. Payment can be accepted via credit card, PayPal, or cash. Give us a call at (419) 207-8800 to learn more.