December 5, 2020

Staying Safe From COVID-19 During the Holidays

By Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans have adapted their daily activities to protect themselves and others from the spread of the deadly virus. This is especially true as the holiday season rolls around — a time that pre-COVID-19 would have entailed large gatherings of family and friends to celebrate. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released some tips for people to safely enjoy this holiday season:

• Try to keep your holiday meals limited to a small gathering of people who live in your household. 
• Prepare a meal consisting of traditional family recipes for family or neighbors who you would normally celebrate with — especially those at a higher risk of illness from COVID-19 — and deliver it to them in a way that doesn’t involve contact or breaking social distancing guidelines. 
• Arrange a virtual dinner and share recipes with family or friends.

The holiday season is also a time when people often travel longer distances to gather with family and friends. Travel increases your risk of exposure to COVID-19. If you can’t avoid travel, be sure to follow the CDC guidelines to reduce your risk.