As we learned last year, the safest way to enjoy your holiday meal is to eat only with the people you live with. Fast forward a year later, with the looming threat of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, and that advice hasn’t changed. But we also now know that if you and everyone sitting at the table is vaccinated and boosted, the risk of spreading or getting COVID-19 is lower.

If you’re planning to attend or host a large get-together with people you don’t live with, here are some ways to keep you and those around you safe:

• Get vaccinated and boosted.
• Wear a mask when indoors with others and stay six feet apart.
• Avoid poorly ventilated spaces, especially when in a crowd.
• Keep air flowing by opening windows or running a fan or air purifier if possible.
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
• Stay home if you’re feeling sick or unwell, and don’t host any gatherings.

When eating or drinking in a group:

• Wash your hands often and wear a mask when not eating or drinking.
• Prepare your own plate and drinks.
• Stay six feet from each other if you can.

It’s also OK to ask others if they are vaccinated and boosted before getting together with people you don’t live with. If you’re just not ready to gather in such a way, you can choose to stay home and find other ways to connect.