Is a Socially Safe Cookout Possible?

As restrictions ease, many are trying to gain back pieces of normality. Find it in doing little but significant things you miss most. You’ll be more apt to invest the extra effort needed to partake safely.

With some precautions, you can safely host a seasonal favorite: the cookout.

• Only invite guests who have followed social-distancing health mandates.
• Limit the number of households invited. Those living under one roof tend to share the same practices. It is safer to have more people from one home than less people from multiple homes.
• Ask guests to bring a picnic basket filled with their own food and drinks.
• Serve any grilled food hot off the grill while wearing masks.
• Keep hand sanitizer and wipes within easy reach of eating area (preferably one per household). Use throughout the gathering.
• Clear a direct path to the bathroom. Provide only paper towels, along with a full bottle of hand soap. Request that guests also use them to handle faucets and doorknobs.

Don’t forget seasonal tunes! Reggae, anyone?