New Year‑Time Food Etiquette: How to Keep the Festivities—and Your Health—Safe
Why “Everyone Eats from the Same Dish” Is a Dilemma
We all love the communal spirit of Chinese New Year, but sharing a meal tray can be a real health risk if the coronavirus is still hanging around. The risk is that a sneeze or cough could land droplets on the shared food, passing the virus on to anyone who takes a bite.
Expert Tips from Prof. Teo Yik Ying
- Serve portions instead of trays: One person can bring dinner in a sealed container or the host can plate individual servings. This keeps everyone safe from direct droplet contact.
- Hand‑sanitizer “welcome sign”: Offer a small bottle of hand‑wash or wipes at the front door—think of it as an extra New Year greeting that says, “Hi! Clean your hands before you come in.”
- Mask‑up before the feast: Encourage guests to wear a proper mask until the moment they take their first bite.
What the Hot, Humid Climate Means for the Virus
Local medical voice Dr. Leong Hoe Nam reassures that Singapore’s heat and humidity aren’t ideal for the virus once it lands on surfaces. However, he stresses that hygiene must still be top‑notch.
Safe Hand‑Washing Strategies
- After purchasing groceries or before eating, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
- When you can’t reach a sink, use a sanitizing wipe that at least contains 60% alcohol.
- Don’t try to scrub every surface—just keep it simple and consistent!
Why Masks Keep You & Your Family Safe
Even during a lively game of mahjong or a big family photo session, Dr. Leong recommends that everyone keeps the mask on—except, of course, when actually eating. He says a correctly worn mask can cut transmission in half.
Bottom Line for Your Super Bouncy New Year
So, for the upcoming Chinese New Year, the secret to a safe celebration is minimal sharing, maximal hygiene, and a constant mask when you’re around others. And hey, let’s make those wipes a New Year tradition—an extra bit of dry humor with every panda‑garlic roast.
Enjoy the festivities, keep each other safe, and let your host’s hospitality sparkle without virus worries!
