Question: So it’s the holiday season, and ’tis the season for holiday parties. I’ve been invited to three holiday parties thus far, and I’m trying to figure out which ones (if any) are appropriate. (For context, the adults in our house have been boosted, one child will soon receive their second shot, and one child is not yet eligible.)

• Party 1 is an exclusively outdoor party (except bathroom trips) with fire pits for warmth. The host is asking for people to be fully vaccinated and boosted and feeling well. The party, however, is likely to be crowded. Masks are unlikely to be worn by attendees.
• Party 2 is an office party at an event space. Most of the 80 (ish) coworkers are vaccinated, some are not. There will be food provided, and general commingling. Masks are unlikely to be worn by most attendees.
• Party 3 is a house party, with approximately 10-15 people attending. Most will be vaccinated, but some attendees might not be. Food and drinks will be provided. Masks are unlikely to be worn by attendees.

Of these three parties, all seem to have some risks associated, though especially where it’s indoors and there’s a chance of sharing air with an unvaccinated person. I’m trying to keep an eye on local transmission rates (which don’t look awesome), and will be watching closely for a post-Thanksgiving impact. Technically, all of these parties are optional. However, because some of them may involve co-workers, it can be a bit tricky not to show up. For the indoor unmasked events, should there be a request for everyone to take a PCR or rapid test prior to attending? Are there other factors/conditions one should evaluate when deciding when to attend and when to stay home and watch Die Hard?

Answer: Understanding personal risk continues to be a challenge 20 months into the pandemic because of so many individual, community, and environmental factors, and the changing nature of the evolving virus.  We know that breakthrough infections can occur (though they are less severe than infections among unvaccinated), and that booster shots greatly reduce the risk of symptomatic infection. We also know that onward transmission from breakthrough infection can occur (though to a lesser degree than onward transmission from infection among unvaccinated), and it’s possible that boosters will also reduce the risk of onward transmission (but we just don’t know yet).  Equally important, we know that to minimize risk, we should try to avoid the 3Cs of Closed Spaces, Crowded Places, and Close-contact Settings.  

With these things in mind, the safest party of the three is Party 1 because it is outdoors and because the host has requested all attendees be vaccinated + boosted.  Of the parties, this is the one I’d feel relaxed attending.  As to the other two parties, a request for a negative test result– either PCR or sequential rapid tests (e.g. testing three days before and day of the event)– would be helpful to reduce risk.  Additionally, good air circulation (e.g. windows open, HEPA air filtration) will also help reduce risk, as will mask wearing (even if you’re the only one wearing it).  I also suggest that the party hosts remind guests not to come if they have any illness symptoms, even if they are vaccinated.  Ultimately, the choice of which parties to attend will have to be made based on each individuals’ situation.  If you want to read more, the NY Times published a report a couple of weeks ago that talks about how to navigate this phase of the pandemic.  Of course, Omicron throws us another curve ball, but it’s still too early to have much to say about what the new variant means for breakthrough infection and onward transmission risks.