Many people are beginning to plan for fall and winter holiday celebrations and holiday season looks a lot different this year. When planning to host a holiday celebration you should assess current COVID-19 levels in your community as well as the communities of those traveling to celebrate when determining whether to postpone, cancel, or limit the number of attendees. A major way to lower the risk of spreading COVID-19 is by celebrating virtually.
Several factors contribute to the risk of getting infected or infecting others such as community levels of COVID-19, the locations of gatherings, the durations of the event, the number of guests attending, the locations attendees are traveling from, and behavior during gathers.
Considerations to Keep in Mind:
- Families and friends should consider the number and rate of COVID-19 cases in their community as well as the community their guests are traveling from. You can find information on the number of cases in an area here on Outbreak Info.
- Gathering indoors can pose more of a risk than outdoor events. Poor ventilation also poses more of a risk versus those with open windows and doors.
- Longer lasting gatherings are higher risk than shorter gatherings. Less is best.
- More people pose greater risk than those with fewer guests. When considering the size of holiday gatherings, it should be determined based on the ability to reduce, limit contact or social distance.
- Celebrating with those who are traveling to attend pose a higher risk than gathering with guests who live in the same area.
- Gathering with guest who adhere to preventive measures such as staying six feet apart, wearing masks, and washing their hands frequently pose less risk.
People with or exposed to COVID-19 should not participate in any in-person festivities. If you have symptoms, are awaiting test results, or have increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 you should not plan to attend.
Traveling also increases chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself and others is by staying home. If you do decide to travel this season, wear your mask, avoid close contact by staying six feet apart, wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer, avoid contact with anyone who’s sick, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay Safe and Happy Holidays!
This information was originally on cdc.gov.
