Holiday safety during COVID-19

Holidays will likely look a little different this year due to COVID-19. However, there are still plenty of ways families can have fun while avoiding the scare of being exposed to or spreading the virus.

Touro Family Medicine Physician Dr. Meredith Maxwell shares what we can do to safely enjoy the holidays.

Keep in mind general COVID-19 safety for holidays

Keep in mind that anytime you gather with people you do not live with; the risk of infection increases for everyone. Regardless of how you celebrate the fall holidays, keep general COVID-19 precautions in mind:

• Maintain social distancing and limit close contact.
• Wear masks.
• Wash hands frequently.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together. Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you must travel, be informed of the risks involved.

How can my family celebrate Thanksgiving safely?

Some CDC-recommended, lower-risk activities to celebrate Thanksgiving include:

• Having a small dinner with only people who live in your household
• Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others
• Having a virtual dinner and sharing recipes with friends and family
• Shopping online rather than in person on the day after Thanksgiving or the next Monday
• Watching sports events, parades, and movies from home

What Thanksgiving activities should I avoid?

Avoid these higher-risk activities to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19:

• Going shopping in crowded stores just before, on, or after Thanksgiving
• Participating or being a spectator at a crowded race
• Attending crowded parades
• Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgment and increase risky behaviors
• Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household
• COVID-19 can easily spread from one person to another during traditional holiday activities where we gather as groups. No matter the holiday, we want it to be a safe one for you and your family.

If you or someone you know needs a primary care provider, you can visit touro.com/findadoc or call 897-7777