Colette Bernard, In Motion News Reporter
Valentine’s Day will be a little different this year considering that the COVID-19 pandemic is still going strong, but that doesn’t have to ruin your Valentine’s Day. Students and faculty are planning to have a safe holiday this year, and by following several safety recommendations from the CDC, you can have a safe holiday, too.
What Faculty and Students Are Doing for Valentine’s Day
Faculty and students’ plans for Valentine’s Day are certainly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and their plans may give you some ideas of how to spend your Valentine’s Day in a safe way.
A sentiment of distaste for Valentine’s Day has affected some people’s plans. “I have no plans for Valentine’s Day because I’m just not into holidays that make pressure for people to purchase things they would not otherwise purchase, like a giant teddy bear,” Katherine Orfinger, an alum of Daytona State College, said. “My V-day plans are the same as they are every year. Go to work and buy discounted chocolate the day after.”
Meanwhile, Kasey Leftwich, a current student of DSC, said that “My boyfriend and I live together, and we’ll probably just stay home and watch some movies and make cookies.” Ordinarily, she would like to go out to dinner for Valentine’s day, but “because of COVID-19, it’s smarter and easier to stay home and find things to do there.”
Aaron London, professor of journalism and mass communications here at Daytona State, said that he ordinarily doesn’t go out for Valentine’s Day, preferring to spend time at home with his spouse. “This Valentine’s Day, instead of going out to a restaurant for dinner, my wife and I will likely prepare a simple meal and take it with us for a picnic at the beach, depending on the weather,” he said.
One Professor’s Take on Valentine’s Day
Dr. Benjamin Graydon, chair of the Quanta-Honors College and professor of writing and literature at Daytona State, gave his perspective on the holiday. “From my standpoint, Valentine’s Day seems like a good opportunity for all people to do something special for those they care about,” said Graydon. “It’s easy to sneer at Valentine’s Day as a ‘Hallmark Holiday’ centered on boosting retail sales. And, certainly, there’s a powerful media discourse around the holiday that privileges certain kinds of relationships.”
But Graydon believes “we can make what we’d like of Valentine’s Day. Particularly given the social isolation and COVID-related challenges so many are feeling, I hope people will see the holiday as a reason to safely connect with those they love and to celebrate loving relationships of all kinds.”
Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Safely
While the CDC recommends that no one travel for the holidays, the organization still offers several recommendations for how celebrants of holidays can participate in those holidays safely, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Wear a Mask
The CDC recommends that you wear two layers of masks to keep your loved ones safe. Be sure to keep the mask over your nose and secure under your chin. Wear your mask wherever you are, indoors or out, and always keep a spare mask in case yours gets wet from the moisture of your breath or rain.
While it may be tempting to go mask-less in order to show off your lipstick or even kiss your partner on Valentine’s Day, in order to stay safe, keep that mask on. You can always take a picture of your lipstick and share it on social media, if you just “have” to show off your new “Love Me Red” lipstick!
2. Stay 6 Feet Away From Those Who Don’t Live With You
COVID-19 is more likely to spread if you’re in close contact with someone for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. Even if your partner is without symptoms, they may still carry the coronavirus and spread it to you if you aren’t careful.
You can always go for a picnic and sit together at a distance or go for a walk in a park to avoid getting too close to your romantic partner.
3. Wash Your Hands
The CDC recommends washing your hands “with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing and before eating.” Hand sanitizer with 60% or more alcohol content is also a good idea, if soap is not readily available.
Therefore, it’s not advisable to hold the hand of your loved one this Valentine’s Day. If you do, be sure only to do so if you have no symptoms, so that you don’t sneeze into your hand accidentally, and if you have hand sanitizer at the ready.