We want you to be safe and take precautions throughout the winter. So, as you make plans, keep this advice in mind.
FIRST THINGS FIRST - People who should not attend in-person travels and holiday celebrations:
- People with or who have been exposed to COVID-19
- People at increased risk for severe illness
SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?? ABOUT GATHERINGS
Make your plans (or excuses) based, partially, on these guidelines:
- The location of the gathering – Indoor gatherings generally pose more risk than outdoor gatherings. If celebrating inside, keep windows and doors open as much as possible.
- The duration of the gathering – Gatherings that last longer pose more risk than shorter gatherings.
- The number of people at the gathering – Gatherings with more people pose more risk than gatherings with fewer people.
- The behaviors of attendees prior to and during the gathering – Gatherings with attendees who are not adhering to mask wearing, social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart), hand washing, and other prevention behaviors pose more risk than gatherings with attendees who are engaging in these preventative behaviors.
In all cases, avoid things like hugging, kissing, hand shaking, and sitting closely together at a table - especially while eating food. If food is served in a sharing style, it’s best to fill your own plate and sit or stand 6 feet apart.
PLANES, TRAINS, OR AUTOMOBILES? ABOUT TRAVELING
Traveling increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. But, your [yaya, pop pop, dad, auntie - fill in the blank here] is making you feel guilty. So, what do you do?
If you decide to go out of state, here is some guidance:
- Stick to the COVID-19 BIG FOUR - Mask up, Stay apart, Wash your hands, Don’t touch your face.
- Know the prevalence of COVID-19 at your destination - if the place you are going to is in an upswing of cases, your risks will be higher.
Choose your transportation based on their risk -
- Lowest Risk
- Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
- Short trips by car with members of your household with no stops along the way.
- More Risk
- Longer trips by car or RV with one or more stops along the way
- Even More Risk
- Trips by car or RV with people who are not in your household.
- Long-distance train or bus trips.
- Direct flights.
- Highest Risk
- Flights with layovers.
- Traveling on a cruise ship or river boat.
For more information and advice, visit the CDC’s holiday page at tinyurl.com/y6apke6n.
