Best Practices for Celebrating the Holidays

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This holiday season will inevitably look a little different than it has in previous years. Masks in place of mistletoe! While the holidays will always be a special time to connect with family and friends, this year we may have to change certain traditions in the interest of public health.

In 2020 it may be that the safest way to celebrate the holidays is with only immediate family members. We may have to opt for virtual events instead of traveling. Utilize a virtual platform (e.g., Zoom, Skype, FaceTime) to connect with family and friends. These platforms make it possible to have a virtual dinner party or gift exchange from the comfort of your own home. Consider pre-holiday testing for relatives and loved ones traveling home from distant locations.

Here are some other suggestions to hold on to holiday cheer. Remember, it’s just one year.

Hosting or Attending a Holiday Gathering

Location: If possible, host gatherings outdoors or in a large, open space with plenty of ventilation and airflow.

Duration: Keep gatherings to a shorter timeframe to reduce the risk of spreading illness.

Guests: Review state and local safety recommendations for guidelines on how many guests you can have in one location. Generally, having fewer people at gatherings limits the spread of illness.

Travel: Check travel restrictions for your state/county and the areas where you or your guests will be traveling to/from. You or your guests may be encouraged to quarantine for 14 days upon returning home.

COVID Protocols: If you are attending a gathering, ask the host what the expectations are for COVID guidelines (e.g., are guests required to wear masks, how many guests will be in attendance). If you are hosting the event, make certain to let all of your guests know what the expectations are.

 Air Travel and COVID-19

According to health experts, the risk of contracting COVID-19 during air travel is low if you are following the recommended safety precautions of wearing a mask, staying seated whenever possible, and following crew instructions.

On modern aircrafts, airflow is generally circulated from the top to bottom of the cabin. Therefore, there is very little circulation of air backward or forward between rows. To enhance airflow, adjust your overhead air nozzle to full and point it directly over your head.

To limit risk of exposure, stay seated whenever possible and give other travelers adequate space when boarding and exiting the aircraft. Protect others by wearing your mask for the entire duration of the flight and staying home if you feel ill.

Do not travel if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or the flu, have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or if you are awaiting test results.

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