Photo: Paul Hamill Photography

Winter is here and although the cold weather forces us inside, social gatherings remain a high-risk activity. Instead of getting together indoors, gather everyone virtually on Zoom or head outdoors. Fresh air adventures like skiing/riding or snowshoeing pose a lower Covid risk so have more fun outside with your household bubble (roommates or family you live with). For more tips on winter best practices, keep reading.

What are “social gatherings?”

The simple definition that a gathering is when people from multiple households get together, inside or outdoors. The key point here is that gatherings expose you to households outside of your own.

Why are social gatherings just so dangerous? Well, to put it simply, we let down our guard. These intimate get-togethers feel “normal,” a feeling we’re all so desperate for after a long time apart. But it’s this feeling of normalcy that causes us to forgo the safety precautions that are commonplace in public settings. We hug, we spend time with others within 6 feet, we don’t wear our masks, we forget to sanitize surfaces, we use someone else’s restroom, we don’t wash our hands… When these things happen, our risk of contracting COVID-19 jumps up. Remember, the safest way to gather is to spend time with people in the same household or to gather virtually.

Are social gatherings allowed in Truckee, California?

Truckee is under the PURPLE (widespread) Tier in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Click here to understand the current status.

In the PURPLE Tier, small private gatherings are allowed as long as they adhere to the following modifications:

• Masks and physical distancing are required
• No more than 3 separate households may attend (including the host’s)
• Gatherings should be 2 hours or less
• Those with symptoms must not attend
• Those at high risk of severe illness strongly encouraged not to attend
• Singing, shouting, chanting, cheering, or exercising strongly discouraged

Here in Truckee, California, contact tracing has indicated that social gatherings are high-risk for community transmission. Examples include family reunions and dinner parties. It’s recommended to avoid gathering when possible.

Best practices for winter gatherings.

Winter weather is here. As we head indoors, follow these tips to avoid social gatherings and stay safe and healthy throughout the winter season.

• Stay home if you are sick, exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, or waiting for COVID-19 test results. If you feel ill, please make an appointment for free COVID testing in Truckee or find a testing facility near you.
• Skiing and riding? Share the lift or gondola with your household only. Read Ski Well, Be Well. Guide to Truckee-Tahoe Ski Resort Openings in 2020 to learn about the season ahead.
• Spend time with your household bubble outside. Go snowshoeing on a Truckee-Tahoe winter trail, hit the slopes, go sledding, have a snowball fight, or take a walk on one of Truckee’s snow-free paved paths.
• Mix up your holiday routine. Consider a socially distant Zoom call or going for an outdoor adventure rather than spending time inside.
• Enjoy Truckee’s vibrant food scene with takeout or a catered meal, and take advantage of curbside delivery services.
• Be prepared for winter storms. Check Truckee weather, roads, and webcams and carry supplies to keep yourself and others stay safe, like extra face coverings, hand sanitizer, snow chains, and drinking water.