COVID-19 affects almost every aspect of our lives, including how we observe the holidays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated guidelines to safely celebrate the season. High-risk activities to avoid include indoor costume parties and crowded gatherings. It will take some effort to enjoy a safe and healthy Holiday Season.
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic forced changes to our holiday season. Many families hoped that vaccines would allow parents and kids to safely celebrate the 2021 holiday season. If you’re working on carefully planning your holiday celebrations, you are also likely making the checklist you’ll need to work through a safe and healthy 2021 holiday season.
Holiday Celebrations
CDC and National Institute of Health (NIH) expert, Dr. Pia MacDonald expects an increase in cases through December based on US vaccination rates, the Delta variant, in-person schooling, relaxed mask guidelines, and COVID-19’s seasonal virus traits.
Experts agree that fully vaccinated is the best way to avoid severe COVID-19 infections. “With regard to transmission, being in a group of only vaccinated people does decrease risk of transmission of the virus, even if a person is infected,” MacDonald recently said.
Vaccine availability could make this year’s celebrations seem more normal. Unfortunately, 2021 won’t be the great reunion we all hoped. The CDC warns that attending gatherings to celebrate events and holidays increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. The safest way to celebrate is virtually, with people you live with, or outside and at least 6 feet apart.
CDC Advice
If you are fully vaccinated, it is safer to resume pre-pandemic activities with fully vaccinated friends and family. The CDC further advises:
- Reduce the risk of Delta variant infection and spreading it to others, by wearing a mask indoors if you are in a public area;
- Wear a mask if you have a weakened immune system or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease
- Wear a mask if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated;
If you are in close contact with someone who has COVID-19:
- Get tested 3-5 days after your exposure, even if you don’t have symptoms.
- Wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until your test result is negative.
- Isolate for 10 days if your test result is positive.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: MSN; Good Housekeeping; RTI International; CDC
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