We Need Each Other: Thoughts on Safely Reconnecting

For the past few months, we’ve been apart. Even those of us isolating ourselves with our families are hurting, eager to see our friends and to reestablish in-person connections. This virus, in addition to the physical toll it takes on the body, has wrecked an emotional toll as well. Anything communal puts us at risk of infection. But community is a part of our humanity and a necessity for our emotional well being.

It’s time to start discussing how we can safely reconnect.

These deliberations about what level of risk we are willing to assume will be different for each of us based on a number of factors. Are any of our family members high-risk? Do we regularly interact with anyone who is immuno-compromised or in an at-risk category? These are important questions to ask.

For people who decide that they are ready to slowly begin reconnecting, the most important thing to consider is that each of us needs to be deliberate in our connections. At the end of the day, the people you choose to connect with now should be connections worth dying for. Is it worth it for you to take appropriate precautions to see family members or a best friend? Is it worth those same risks for someone you just met on a dating app? Probably not. At least for now.

Ultimately, it is about being extremely conscious and deliberate about who you are choosing to spend in-person time with. 

It’s not just about who, but how.

When you decide what risks you feel comfortable taking, set clear boundaries with the people you are choosing to spend time with. Everyone involved must agree to adhere to this social contract.

We know that outdoor gatherings are lower-risk than those that take place indoors. Small groups are ideal. Consider limiting interactions to one other household at a time and, if you’re able, taking time in-between visits with others to ensure that no symptoms develop. Don’t share food or drink. Staying both masked and six-feet apart is still, at this point in time, the most responsible way to reconnect. Make sure that everyone present has access to hand sanitizer or a place to wash their hands.

We have spent the last few months in varying degrees of isolation. It’s time to start thinking critically about how we can be together again—safely. If we are thoughtful, we can begin carefully testing out smart ways to connect, figuring out safely how we can re-emerge from this period of solitude. And it will come down to individuals making good decisions about who to connect with and how, moving forward intelligently and honoring our need for community.

And, please, no matter what personal risks you decide you are comfortable with taking for you and your family, please continue to wear masks in public spaces—if not for yourself, then for your neighbors and their loved ones. Taking thoughtful measures as we reconnect, will allow us to have the contact we so deeply need while also protecting the most vulnerable among us.