Since small outdoor gatherings are naturally ventilated and make it easier for people to remain at least six feet apart, they carry a lower risk of spreading COVID-19. Nevertheless, when planning a picnic with friends and family, you’ll still want to do everything you can to ensure the health and safety of your guests. Here are a handful of tips on how to promote social distancing and sanitation while enjoying box lunches.

4 Tips for a Socially Distanced Picnic 

1. Keep the Guest List Small

According to Emergency Order 2020-29, no more than five people may attend social gatherings in the City and County of Honolulu. Limit your guest list to four people other than yourself to prevent legal issues or fines and slow the spread of COVID-19. 

2. Pick an Uncrowded Location

Popular beaches and waterfront parks are often crowded, which can increase your chances of coming into contact with people outside of your picnic party and contracting or spreading COVID-19. Choose a less populated outdoor location, such as a neighborhood park or small recreation area within walking distance of your home.  

3. Pack Hand Cleansing Supplies 

The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and warm water for a least 20 seconds to remove viruses and bacteria, especially after touching frequently used surfaces. Though outdoor areas may have public bathrooms, bring your own hand cleansing supplies just in case. Pack travel-sized bottles of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to give to guests, and wear latex gloves while passing out food and beverages. 

4. Bring Box Lunches

Box lunches keep you from having to cook or prepare food for your picnic. Additionally, they prevent harmful microbes from cross-contaminating food while guests serve themselves out of shared bowls or containers. Pick up bento boxes filled with treats like cone sushi, musubi, and shrimp tempura on your way to meet your friends. 

Make meals for small gatherings convenient with Hawaiian, Japanese, and Filipino food from Kawamoto Store in Hilo, HI. They provide delicious bento options, including shoyu chicken, noodles, and maki sushi to hungry patrons on the Big Island. Call (808) 935-8209 to place an order for takeout box lunches, or visit the website to check out the menu.