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How to Have a Successful Virtual Happy Hour How to Have a Successful Virtual Happy Hour
(32 minutes later)
This past Monday, on a whim, Jackie Summers, a liquor-brand owner, put out a call on Twitter for people to join him for a virtual cocktail hour. Since many of his friends in the hospitality industry were suddenly out of work, he felt that this was the perfect way to encourage social distancing while giving people a much-needed outlet to socialize.This past Monday, on a whim, Jackie Summers, a liquor-brand owner, put out a call on Twitter for people to join him for a virtual cocktail hour. Since many of his friends in the hospitality industry were suddenly out of work, he felt that this was the perfect way to encourage social distancing while giving people a much-needed outlet to socialize.
Fifteen people attended the event, which he organized with his friend Daniella Veras. The next day, over 100 participants logged in. He plans on hosting virtual happy hours regularly until the coronavirus crisis resolves.Fifteen people attended the event, which he organized with his friend Daniella Veras. The next day, over 100 participants logged in. He plans on hosting virtual happy hours regularly until the coronavirus crisis resolves.
It’s understandable that people are looking to the internet to lessen feelings of social isolation. Not only does an evening “event” help give the day structure, but seeing friendly faces can be a lifeline for people who miss their friends and loved ones.It’s understandable that people are looking to the internet to lessen feelings of social isolation. Not only does an evening “event” help give the day structure, but seeing friendly faces can be a lifeline for people who miss their friends and loved ones.
Whether you’re having a cozy chat with your far-flung besties, or plan on dropping in to a video chat room filled with dozens of strangers, here’s what to know about having a successful virtual happy hour.Whether you’re having a cozy chat with your far-flung besties, or plan on dropping in to a video chat room filled with dozens of strangers, here’s what to know about having a successful virtual happy hour.
As co-hosts of the YouTube show Natalie and Tara Try Stuff, the Los Angeles-based friends Natalie Lynch and Tara Jayn naturally took to the internet as they observed social distancing guidelines. Even though they live-streamed a virtual happy hour for their online fans, Ms. Lynch thinks there’s a benefit to keeping your happy hour fairly intimate.As co-hosts of the YouTube show Natalie and Tara Try Stuff, the Los Angeles-based friends Natalie Lynch and Tara Jayn naturally took to the internet as they observed social distancing guidelines. Even though they live-streamed a virtual happy hour for their online fans, Ms. Lynch thinks there’s a benefit to keeping your happy hour fairly intimate.
“Too many people in a Google Hangout and it just becomes chaos,” she said. “More than eight to 10 people and conversations can’t really happen without leaving people outside looking in.” If more than 10 people are attending your virtual happy hour, consider appointing a moderator to help the conversation run smoothly.“Too many people in a Google Hangout and it just becomes chaos,” she said. “More than eight to 10 people and conversations can’t really happen without leaving people outside looking in.” If more than 10 people are attending your virtual happy hour, consider appointing a moderator to help the conversation run smoothly.
Connecting online is also a good excuse to shake off rumpled clothes and shimmy into a snappy outfit. Jessica Lawlor of Chestnut Hill, Pa., applied makeup and put on a cute sweater for her virtual happy hour with three friends. She said the act of getting ready gave her a sense of normalcy.Connecting online is also a good excuse to shake off rumpled clothes and shimmy into a snappy outfit. Jessica Lawlor of Chestnut Hill, Pa., applied makeup and put on a cute sweater for her virtual happy hour with three friends. She said the act of getting ready gave her a sense of normalcy.
Wherever you hold your happy hour, make sure the lighting is bright enough so others can see you. It’s also wise to keep ambient sound to a minimum, as barking dogs and shrieking children can affect the vibe. Backyard patios, kitchen tables and front porches can be suitable places to convene as well, as long as there is a stable surface to rest your laptop or device on.Wherever you hold your happy hour, make sure the lighting is bright enough so others can see you. It’s also wise to keep ambient sound to a minimum, as barking dogs and shrieking children can affect the vibe. Backyard patios, kitchen tables and front porches can be suitable places to convene as well, as long as there is a stable surface to rest your laptop or device on.
“You should participate in the place in your home where you are most comfortable,” Mr. Summers said. “Not everyone has a home bar, but everyone should feel at home.”“You should participate in the place in your home where you are most comfortable,” Mr. Summers said. “Not everyone has a home bar, but everyone should feel at home.”
“Most of the happy hours have a combo, which is a beer or a lager with a tequila shot, or a dark beer with a whiskey shot,” said Yolanda Baez, a bartender at Broken Shaker near Gramercy Park in Manhattan. To get into the happy hour spirit at home, she recommends creating your own version of this classic happy hour staple. Cocktails like an Old-Fashioned and a bramble are easy drinks to whip up at home, she added. And mocktails like virgin mojitos, piña coladas and margaritas can be good options for those who aren’t imbibing alcohol.“Most of the happy hours have a combo, which is a beer or a lager with a tequila shot, or a dark beer with a whiskey shot,” said Yolanda Baez, a bartender at Broken Shaker near Gramercy Park in Manhattan. To get into the happy hour spirit at home, she recommends creating your own version of this classic happy hour staple. Cocktails like an Old-Fashioned and a bramble are easy drinks to whip up at home, she added. And mocktails like virgin mojitos, piña coladas and margaritas can be good options for those who aren’t imbibing alcohol.
Many groups improvise with a “Quarantini,” which is basically a mixed drink containing whatever liquor you have on hand.Many groups improvise with a “Quarantini,” which is basically a mixed drink containing whatever liquor you have on hand.
Ms. Lynch shared a cocktail recipe for a drink called the Smoky Irishman before her virtual happy hour so people could get supplies and drink along if they wanted to. While she didn’t have everyone in attendance drink or eat the same thing, she did name her virtual bar Steve’s Irish Pub ahead of time. The virtual location influenced people’s food and drink choices, she said.Ms. Lynch shared a cocktail recipe for a drink called the Smoky Irishman before her virtual happy hour so people could get supplies and drink along if they wanted to. While she didn’t have everyone in attendance drink or eat the same thing, she did name her virtual bar Steve’s Irish Pub ahead of time. The virtual location influenced people’s food and drink choices, she said.
There is a variety of platforms you can use to get everyone together: Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts and Zoom, to name a few. Ms. Lawlor chose Zoom to host her virtual happy hour. She recommends using the grid view in any teleconferencing software, as it will let you see everyone at once in equal-size boxes.There is a variety of platforms you can use to get everyone together: Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts and Zoom, to name a few. Ms. Lawlor chose Zoom to host her virtual happy hour. She recommends using the grid view in any teleconferencing software, as it will let you see everyone at once in equal-size boxes.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
This also allows her to see everyone’s facial expressions more clearly. “It truly felt like we were sitting around a table at a bar or restaurant,” she said. Because Zoom outlines the person speaking (or making noise), it became a helpful visual cue to let others know that someone was about to speak, which minimized people talking over one another.This also allows her to see everyone’s facial expressions more clearly. “It truly felt like we were sitting around a table at a bar or restaurant,” she said. Because Zoom outlines the person speaking (or making noise), it became a helpful visual cue to let others know that someone was about to speak, which minimized people talking over one another.
Mr. Summers encourages everyone who attends a virtual happy hour to be prepared to listen. “Everyone will try to talk and there will be rooms full of people and you can only really hear one person at a time,” he said. Let everyone participate.Mr. Summers encourages everyone who attends a virtual happy hour to be prepared to listen. “Everyone will try to talk and there will be rooms full of people and you can only really hear one person at a time,” he said. Let everyone participate.
[Read more: How to Be a Better Listener][Read more: How to Be a Better Listener]
As chief experience officer of the Westfield, N.J., dinner club Fat, Drunk and Fancy, Kim DiGiovanni tried to introduce as much levity as possible while hosting her virtual happy hour. To get the conversation started, she encouraged people in attendance to share three new things that had happened in the last 24 hours that they were grateful for.As chief experience officer of the Westfield, N.J., dinner club Fat, Drunk and Fancy, Kim DiGiovanni tried to introduce as much levity as possible while hosting her virtual happy hour. To get the conversation started, she encouraged people in attendance to share three new things that had happened in the last 24 hours that they were grateful for.
Jenny Wang, a licensed psychologist, also recommends these starter questions, if you want to drive the topic of conversion a bit:Jenny Wang, a licensed psychologist, also recommends these starter questions, if you want to drive the topic of conversion a bit:
CopingCoping
What is something you’ve been putting off doing that you now suddenly have time for?What is something you’ve been putting off doing that you now suddenly have time for?
What shows/movies have been helping you cope during this time?What shows/movies have been helping you cope during this time?
What is one small thing you are doing to bring a little joy or comfort into your day?What is one small thing you are doing to bring a little joy or comfort into your day?
WorkWork
How do you stay focused when working from home?How do you stay focused when working from home?
What is the most hilarious thing you’ve seen that distracted you from work?What is the most hilarious thing you’ve seen that distracted you from work?
If you had a mantra right now, what would it be?If you had a mantra right now, what would it be?
ConnectionConnection
Who do you see most now?Who do you see most now?
What is the most annoying thing about that person?What is the most annoying thing about that person?
What do you love about being stuck with that person/people?What do you love about being stuck with that person/people?
Avoid topics associated with anxiety, panic or fear, Dr. Wang said. Finances, stocks and politics also can make people feel on edge.Avoid topics associated with anxiety, panic or fear, Dr. Wang said. Finances, stocks and politics also can make people feel on edge.
If conversation drifts to more nerve-racking topics, she suggests redirecting the anxious energy by asking questions like:If conversation drifts to more nerve-racking topics, she suggests redirecting the anxious energy by asking questions like:
What are you going to do today?What are you going to do today?
Who else are you video chatting with?Who else are you video chatting with?
What exercises will you do?What exercises will you do?
What are you reading?What are you reading?
Highlight actionable items we have control over instead of dwelling on hypothetical and terrifying scenarios in the future. “If we can accept the uncertainty of tomorrow and embrace the ability to live in the now, I think this helps us live well despite chaotic and uncertain times,” Dr. Wang said.Highlight actionable items we have control over instead of dwelling on hypothetical and terrifying scenarios in the future. “If we can accept the uncertainty of tomorrow and embrace the ability to live in the now, I think this helps us live well despite chaotic and uncertain times,” Dr. Wang said.
Keep your virtual happy short and sweet, then make plans to do it again. It’s a courtesy to include a set end time, but as with in-person happy hours, it’s likely people may continue gabbing if they’re having fun. Although Ms. Lawlor scheduled her virtual happy hour for one hour, her friends chatted another 30 minutes because they were enjoying themselves.Keep your virtual happy short and sweet, then make plans to do it again. It’s a courtesy to include a set end time, but as with in-person happy hours, it’s likely people may continue gabbing if they’re having fun. Although Ms. Lawlor scheduled her virtual happy hour for one hour, her friends chatted another 30 minutes because they were enjoying themselves.
In the future, she’ll plan to include more time in the initial calendar invite. And she would let people know they can hop off whenever they need to. However, she notes, if she were speaking with her best friend or her mother, she wouldn’t set a time limit. “We already have a super comfortable relationship where I’d feel OK with saying, ‘OK, I gotta go.’”In the future, she’ll plan to include more time in the initial calendar invite. And she would let people know they can hop off whenever they need to. However, she notes, if she were speaking with her best friend or her mother, she wouldn’t set a time limit. “We already have a super comfortable relationship where I’d feel OK with saying, ‘OK, I gotta go.’”
Ms. Lawlor is already planning on attending more virtual happy hours with other groups of friends. “It’s a great way to stay in touch, though I’m definitely looking forward to the day we can meet up IRL again,” she said.Ms. Lawlor is already planning on attending more virtual happy hours with other groups of friends. “It’s a great way to stay in touch, though I’m definitely looking forward to the day we can meet up IRL again,” she said.
Alexandra E. Petri contributed reporting.Alexandra E. Petri contributed reporting.