How to Stay Safe from Coronavirus this Holiday

(Written by Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH)

            If you’re like me and many other Americans, the holidays are your favorite time of year. We spend time with those we love, enjoy delicious food, and have fun playing games, watching football, or other family traditions. These pastimes are exactly what we need right now after months of dealing with the pandemic, social unrest, and unease about the election.

            Unfortunately, over the past few weeks, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have increased in almost all states. The daily case numbers are the highest they have been since the pandemic started in February. With these alarming increases, it’s important to stay vigilant and protect yourself and those you love from contracting coronavirus during the holidays and beyond.

            The holidays are a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together, but travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the coronavirus. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.

Guidelines for Safe Holiday Activities

            The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued guidelines for staying safe during the holidays. These considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—state and local health and safety laws and rules.

            First and foremost, people with or exposed to COVID-19 should not host or participate in any in-person festivities. Also, if you’re aged 65+ and/or have a chronic health condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, it’s best to avoid in-person gatherings with people who do not live in your household. Consider activities with lower risk, such as:

・Having a small dinner with only people who live in your household.

Factors to Consider about Gatherings

            If you’re planning a holiday gathering or considering attending one, it’s important to carefully review several factors that create various levels of risk for spreading the virus:

Remember the Basics

            Here’s the bottom line: Celebrating with members of your household or virtually with members of your extended family pose the lowest risk for spread. As always, we all must adhere to the very important safety precautions during the holidays and beyond:

By following these guidelines, we all can enjoy a happy AND healthy holiday season.