It's that time of year where we begin planning festive gatherings with families, friends, attend crowded parties, and travel. But this year these actives may put you at an increased risk for COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you carefully consider the spread risk of in-person holiday celebrations. Several factors contribute to COVID-19 spreading in group settings. These include community spread of the coronavirus, event location, event duration, how many people attend, and the locations where attendees are coming from. It's also important to consider attendees' behavior both prior to the gathering and during the celebration. Here are some ideas to consider before attending an event:
What steps is the host taking to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus?
Bring along supplies like extra masks, tissues, and alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Stay home if you don't feel well or are at higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19.
Consider the following tips to reduce your risk of exposure during an in-person event:
Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from people you don't live with and be mindful of areas where it may be harder to do so, such as restrooms and eating areas.
Wear a mask at all times when around people who don't live in your household.
Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
We wish you the very best this holiday season and hope you will find ways to celebrate as safely as possible.