Would you cancel a party for a runny nose?

[Anonymous]

We were planning to have a birthday party for our child. She has a runny nose. We have tested her twice today and she is negative for Covid. Party is Sunday.

I’m hoping runny nose will be gone by Sunday.

[Anonymous]

No. You tested so you’re good

[Anonymous]

Of course not

[Anonymous]

I would let other parents know so they can decide if they want to cover or not. I wouldn’t want to deal with a non Covid cold running through my house either right now because of being excluded from childcare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would let other parents know so they can decide if they want to cover or not. I wouldn’t want to deal with a non Covid cold running through my house either right now because of being excluded from childcare.

This. Have the party if you want but be transparent. We have said "oh it's just a runny nose and it's not covid, and we'll hang out outside, no problem" and then lost most of the following week of childcare. I wouldn't take that risk again, and would want to have the choice.

[Anonymous]

Since you're asking the question, and have tested twice, i've got to assume you're also requiring masking at the party? If so, the mask will hide the runny nose quite well.

[Anonymous]

I would be pissed if you didn’t warn me. My kid has had four colds since September and gave every single one to the baby. I can’t take off anymore work.

Warn all the inviters or you’re going to be hated.

[Anonymous]

If it's an indoor party then yes, I would. Outdoors I might also cancel, or I might mask my sick child and give everyone a heads-up so they can make their own decisions.

[Anonymous]

A year ago I would have. Today, I'd give the other families a heads up - "FYI, Larlo has a slight cold and runny nose. He's tested negative for COVID. DH and I are vaccinated and boosted, so we think it's all ok, but Larlo will wear a mask just to be safe. If you're concerned about it, I understand if you can't make it. Otherwise, we'll see you Sunday!". If I got that note, I'd respond that I hope Larlo feels better soon and we'll see you Sunday!

[Anonymous]

Yes, but at least let other families know. I would be really pissed to show up and your child is sick.

[Anonymous]

I think you should cancel but if you decide to move forward you should at least do the following:
-everyone in your household should test
-you should disclose to guests ahead of time

[Anonymous]

I would appreciate the heads up so that I can make that decision for myself.

[Anonymous]

Yes

[Anonymous]

No! Test again morning of. Let everyone know in advance what’s going on. I wouldn’t cancel for this!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would be pissed if you didn’t warn me. My kid has had four colds since September and gave every single one to the baby. I can’t take off anymore work.

Warn all the inviters or you’re going to be hated.

Just stop going to parties, it's pretty easy. There will pretty much always be a runny nose.