Stay vigilant about social distancing
“The problem arises when people start drinking and all of a sudden they’re closer, looking at photos on a phone and then, Oh, wait a minute, we’re not supposed to do this,” Schweitzer says. But if there’s enough distance, you may be able to take your mask off. “A lot of times the couples will move their chairs back a little bit and they’ll sit without a mask on, but they’re far enough away that it’s still safe,” Schweitzer says. “They may be ten feet away. While we’re listening to stories of people talking, my husband and I might put our masks on. It’s really personal comfort.” That said, if someone is getting too close for comfort, don’t be shy about mentioning it—politely.
Be considerate when you use the bathroom
Schweitzer has one dedicated restroom on the ground floor that she lets people use. “It kind of looks like a cleaning supply company,” she says. “We took out the guest towel and put paper towels in there. We also have Lysol spray and antibacterial soap. So people can wash and dry their hands, and throw away [the paper towels], and then we sanitize the bathroom.” Return the favour by disposing of paper towels properly and tidying up after yourself. Speaking of disinfecting, you might want to consider using these hospital-grade supplies at home, especially if you’re having people over.
Wash your hands frequently
The 20-second rule of washing your hands is one of the longstanding recommendations against the transmission of the virus. So make sure to wash your hands before you arrive at a friend’s home, Schweitzer says. Then don’t be shy about washing your hands or using hand sanitizer when you get there, before sitting down to eat, after eating, after using the restroom, and when you leave. The other guests will understand and be grateful for your concern for safety.