Holiday safety during COVID-19
- Category: COVID-19, Healthy Living, Living Well
- Posted On:
- Written By: Meredith Maxwell, Primary Care
Holidays are a special time of year. But with the arrival of the Omicron variant to Louisiana, you may be feeling apprehensive or unsure about how to safely spend time with those you love.
There are 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 holidays, keep general COVID-19 precautions in mind:
- Maintain social distancing and limit close contact
- Wear masks
- Wash hands frequently
The best protection is vaccination
Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible.
Touro's Vaccine Clinic is located in Uptown New Orleans and is open Saturdays, starting January 8, 2022, from 8:30am-4pm for first, second, and third dose vaccinations for those aged 12 years and older.
To schedule a vaccine appointment at Touro's Vaccine Clinic, please call 504.290.5100.
How can I travel safely?
Holidays are 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. Spending holidays with those you already live with is the best way to protect yourself and others.
If you must travel, be informed of the risks involved.
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can.
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
- Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
- Test to prevent spread to others.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
What holiday 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
- 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.
