Like everything else in 2020, the holiday season is going to look a little different. Experts say that in order to protect our communities, we need to limit gatherings and take proper precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Gatherings
This is not the year to have the entire extended family over for a holiday dinner. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “celebrating virtually or with members of your own household (who are consistently taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19) poses the lowest risk for spread.”
If you do plan to combine households or participate in a larger gathering, the CDC recommends taking all possible precautions. Remember these guidelines from the CDC:
- Indoor gatherings pose more risk than outdoor gatherings. Consider a picinic-style meal on the porch or lawn.
- A distance of six feet or more between members of different households can reduce spread.
- Safety measures such as wearing masks, handwashing, and avoiding physical contact with members of other households can reduce spread.
- Limit contact with and clean commonly touched surfaces and any shared items such as doorknobs, serving utensils, garbage cans, etc.
- Encourage guests to bring food for themselves and their household.
- Those who have potentially been exposed to COVID-19 and those who are at increased risk for severe illness should not attend any in-person gatherings.
The CDC also recommends avoiding travel as much as possible and urges those who do decide to travel to wear masks, maintain physical distancing, and wash their hands often.