Recently, larger in-person events have resumed. What are your secrets to enjoying these gatherings?

Dr. Mariah Robertson, Johns Hopkins Medicine

I think it’s unsafe to gather in large groups with BA-5, so my secret is to mostly avoid them. If I’m required to attend I wear a well-fitting KN95 or N95 and eat/drink outdoors only. Small groups outdoors with pre-testing before the gathering is my current ideal situation.

It’s so isolating and lonely. I feel like I’m constantly having to ground myself in the data when I start to feel unmoored and like I’m going a bit crazy. My friends here have helped me feel solid in these decisions. I’m grateful for that.

Dr. Jeff Millstein, Penn Medicine

I’m not quite ready for these events and will wait until more is clear on long COVID risk.

Dr. Eric Last

I wouldn’t do indoors at all. I’d be ok outdoors with a mask if I really needed to go (N95 or KN95 only). Ideally have everyone test day of event, and only those who are vaxxed and boosted in attendance. And with all that . . . still not thrilled!

Dr. Margaret Chisolm, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Encourage COVID home testing before the event, don’t offer shared dishes of chips, nuts, or other finger foods, and stay outside if possible.

Dr. Carl Streed Jr., Boston Medical Center

I’ve been way more selective and have been declining large indoor gatherings. If I must attend conferences, I only go to ones with testing and vaccine requirements.

Dr. Megan Gerber

I found it hard to relax at my son’s graduation. Big events without masks are surreal for me: everyone’s happy and carefree as if everything is ok, but then at work the calls keep coming in. #CovidIsNotOver

Dr. Jared Rubenstein

All these responses have been so validating! It’s been pretty lonely and isolating watching most of the world move on, but I feel like we’re not there yet.