just so we are all clear, there is no encouragement or support of any kind for any physical events organized right now. given the risks involved, you should avoid organizing or participating in events that could otherwise be avoided.

Be sensitive - as many who are responding aggressively may have personal reasons (loss of a family member to covid, personal experience with Covid etc). That does not give them the right to be rude, but we have to understand that they are in fact telling you the safest thing you can do. ]

if you had to for some reason still go. you are taking risks. The CDC document below gives guidelines around holiday gathering. it does a good job of explaining what precautions can reduce the risk (not eliminate it)

COVID-19: Holiday Celebrations | CDC

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - NYC Health (previous link - The CDC version is most detailed guideline on risk mitigation and care )

Cluster Action Initiative | New York Forward (ny.gov) (zonal restrictions)

I know it's hard time and we need to stick together more than ever, we can't if we don't acknowledge each other's point of views.... We don't always have to agree. Acknowledgement goes a long way in having a healthy discussion and probably leading to some common agreements.

My Job as a mod is to ensure we don't victimize anyone who is posting a question, if you get sarcastic, toxic or worse start to abuse me... You getting Banned.. Avoid using F & Bs in your responses to post to users. I believe all here are grown up and responsible enough to make the right decision - whether its staying at home all together, or sensing symptoms and staying home or going out with precaution... Whatever you do, be mindful there are people who could literally die if they are infected.

i can speak because i went through the pain and experienced what it feels like to be alone, sick and helpless. when I got my covid infection in March this year. it all started with an asthma attack - first one, i could manage, the second - i almost felt i wasn't gonna make it. steroids and antibiotics helped the healing but the cough stayed for a month and literally every word was followed by a cough. it isnt nice and i wouldn't wish it on my enemy.