The past two years have been far from ordinary. We have all had to learn how to navigate a world with new safety standards and health precautions. From mask-wearing to social distancing and new restrictions on some of our favorite activities, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered our daily habits. Although we have managed to adjust to these “new normals” for some time now, we now have to navigate another holiday season during a global pandemic.
While the holidays may look different this year, it is still possible to be social and stay safe.
RHN Team Picture Bank, ©2020, Clemson Extension
The holiday season translates to celebrations with close friends and family. This year getting vaccinated and following the COVID-19 guidelines below will make it possible to be social and stay safe with your loved ones this holiday season.
General guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for COVID-19 are listed below.
Whether you have been vaccinated or not, individuals should stay home and avoid in-person interaction if they are:
- Experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
- Exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- Awaiting COVID-19 test results
- Tested positive in the previous ten days
- Immunocompromised or at an increased risk of severe illness
Other Things to Consider:
Holiday gatherings should be as small as possible, and guests from different households are advised to stay at least six feet apart during the celebration. Outdoor gatherings are still preferred over indoor, but if celebrations must be held indoors, it is important to wear a mask and social distance, even if fully vaccinated, to help reduce the risk of transmission. All guests should also wash their hands upon arrival, but hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content will suffice if that is not possible.
All guests should wash their hands upon arrival, and when not eating or drinking, guests should wear a mask to avoid contact with others.
RHN Team Picture Bank, ©2020, Clemson Extension
When not eating or drinking, guests should wear a mask and avoid contact with others: Though it may be tempting to hug or high-five loved ones you have not seen in a long time, it is essential to limit contact with those who live in a separate household regardless of vaccination status.
Hold gatherings outdoors, if possible: The chance of infection spreading decreases significantly when events are held outside. If you must host indoors, open windows and doors to allow for increased air circulation and ventilation.
The spread of COVID-19 is further enhanced by sharing items such as food, plates, and utensils: Avoid reusable items and have one person (wearing a mask) serve food to limit contact with a high-traffic area.
If you or your guests plan on traveling this holiday season, there are additional precautions to consider before your gathering.
Location, location, location: Keep in mind where you are traveling and what the local COVID-19 infection rates are for that area. Travel is not recommended for those who are not fully vaccinated. Parts of the country are experiencing the pandemic differently, so it is vital to know if the location you are traveling to or departing from has high transmission rates. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel this holiday season, follow the CDC’s recommendations for domestic or international travel.
Transportation matters: What method of transportation will you be using? Air travel poses risks of infection via security lines, terminals, crowded flights, and bathrooms. It may be difficult to maintain 6 feet of distance between you and other travelers, so wear a mask through your travel duration. Different modes of public transportation, such as trains or buses, pose similar risks. Perhaps the safest transportation method is a personal car or RV, where social distancing is easier to maintain. However, it’s important to note that there is a risk of infection when stopping for gas, food, or to use the restroom. Remember to sanitize surfaces you may be touching and wear a mask inside any establishment.
If you or your guests do choose to travel, ensure that everyone takes the proper precautions regardless of vaccination status:
- Wear a mask in public places.
- Wash your hands frequently or use at least 60% alcohol hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching public surfaces.
- Use disinfectant wipes.
- Bring your food if possible.
Travel should be delayed until you are fully vaccinated, but if you must travel this holiday season and are not fully vaccinated follow these extra precautions:
- Gest tested 1-3 days before travel.
- Get tested 3-5 days after travel.
- Self-quarantine for 7 days after travel (10 days if you chose not to get tested).
If you decide that attending in-person events this holiday season is not the safest option, there are still many ways to create a memorable celebration. Here is a list of some alternatives to in-person gatherings this year.
Share a meal with members of your household: Even though it may not be how you typically celebrate, each member of your home can make a dish, and you can safely enjoy a meal together.
Cook for neighbors: Making dishes for those who live close and are possibly immunocompromised is a great way to safely spread the holiday spirit. Leave the container on the doorstep to maintain social distancing!
Connect virtually: Virtual connection has been an integral part of navigating COVID-19 this year. Use Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime to wish your loved ones a happy holiday and social distance at the same time.
Keep in mind that the winter months are already associated with infectious diseases such as the common cold and influenza. The addition of the COVID-19 pandemic and Delta variant adds health risks we have not seen before. It is more important than ever to take the proper precautions while following local, state, and federal guidelines. Ensure you and your loved ones receive a flu vaccine this year to cut down on risks this holiday season.
Despite COVID-19, it is still possible to maintain some aspects of your favorite holiday traditions. By following recommendations and guidelines, you can stay safe and social during the holidays!
Other articles:
- COVID-19 Map Risk Assessment Tool
- https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/
- Zoomed Out
- https://hgic.clemson.edu/zoomed-out/
- Let’s Face it: Proper Mask Hygiene
- https://hgic.clemson.edu/lets-face-it-proper-mask-hygiene/
- Healthy Me, Healthy SC COVID-19 Testing Sites: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/covid19/cu-covid-testing-sites/index.html
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, November 9). Holiday Celebrations and Small Gatherings. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, October 15). Holiday Celebrations. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, September 1). Safer Travel Tips. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-risk.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 21). Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
- Connecticut State Government. (2020, November 1). How can I prepare for holiday gatherings? Retrieved from https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Covid-19-Knowledge-Base/Holiday-Guidance
- Mayo Clinic. (2020, October 22). Coronavirus Travel Advice. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-safe-travel-advice/art-20486965
