Source: CDC Holiday Celebrations and Small Gatherings
2020 has been a challenging year for a lot of people this year for any number of reasons, but what is universal for all of us is the impact of Covid-19 front and center of these unprecedented times. Whether you are feeling the sting from losing an income, the loss of everyday norms that were taken for granted pre-pandemic, or if you or a loved one contracted the virus, there is not a single family in the United States that has not been impacted by the ongoing health crisis. In this article, I will talk about 5 important CDC guidelines to consider when planning your holiday in the age of coronavirus.
1. Risk Factors for Spreading Covid-19
At this point in the pandemic we know a lot more that can help prevent the spread of this virus than we did in March even if we haven’t had a consistent national strategy to address the pandemic and most likely won’t until new president-elect is sworn in. All the same, the CDC has ranked the level of risk for attending events and gatherings from lowest to highest. Check out the graphic below:
Additional Considerations for Assessing Risk
- Community levels of COVID-19: Not every corner of the country has the same level of risk because the number of cases fluctuates by state and even by county or city. The best place to check for accurate information about cases in an area can be found on the local health department website.
- Exposure during travel: Major travel hubs like airports, train stations, public transport, and anywhere else that a high concentration of people in one space is inevitable. Driving in a confined space like a car can present its own challenges. Bottom line, traveling is not a good idea for this year’s holiday celebrations.
- Number and crowding of people at the gathering: The CDC guidelines have been very clear from the beginning of the pandemic that the risk of transmission increases in larger gatherings because of the shared air that is circulated and fewer opportunities to keep distance. If your celebration must take place indoors, the CDC also recommends keeping windows open for better air circulation as well as asking guests to wear masks when maintaining 6 feet of physical distance is not possible.
Source: CDC Holiday Celebrations and Small Gatherings
2. Hosting or Attending a Gathering
The CDC guidelines provide tips for hosting gatherings as well as considerations for for events and gatherings you plan to attend outside of your home.
Hosting a Gathering
Generally speaking, if you plan to host an event or gathering, keep it small by limiting the number of attendees as much as possible so that people from different households can maintain 6 feet of physical distance. It should absolutely be considered good form in the age of 2020 and coronavirus to avoid personal contact at all times including handshakes and especially hugs from older relatives that you haven’t seen for a while.
It’s a huge buzzkill, but better to suffer one round of watered-down celebrations than to lose participants in celebrations to come. Another suggestion from the CDC for hosting events and gatherings is to require all attendees to wear masks. Of course, celebrations that only include people in your house hold will carry the least amount of risk compared to events with members from more than 2 different households.
Attending a Gathering
Additionally, if you plan to attend a gathering at someone else’s home or in the community, consider skipping events that are held indoors in favor of those that can be held outdoors, especially if they can accommodate more space outdoors. The CDC guidelines also recommend to wear masks even while outdoors unless eating or drinking. The host with the most should also consider providing guests with single-use hand sanitizer and disposable masks if this is feasible. Finally, make sure you avoid any shared, high-traffic surfaces like countertops and use disposable utensils.
3. Food and Drinks at Small Gatherings
The CDC does not currently report any evidence that handling food or eating is associated with transmission of the virus. Even so, sharing serving utensils at a table served buffet style can result in transmission. For this reason, there are a few safety considerations for serving/consuming food and drink at a holiday celebration. Consider appointing a fearless leader from your household to be responsible for gathering food for the table. Better yet, consider having one person wearing a mask to serve all the guests and reduce opportunities for transmission by contact. Also, avoid potluck style gatherings and opt for catered food or delivery this year.
4. Travel and Overnight Stays
As a general rule while you are outside the safety of your own domicile, make sure you are wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth entirely. Wearing a mask is not a fashion statement, and it is a bit like poking holes in a condom and hoping it works out if you do not wear it properly. *Off* my soapbox now. Most airlines and public transportation require masks by now, but in the event that they don’t you should wear one anyway. Delta is still one of the few airlines that will not allow anyone to book a middle seat.
If you are staying overnight or hosting overnight guests, first consider whether anyone whom lives at the home you will be staying at is in an at-risk category for contracting the virus. Also consider and prepare for what you and other guests that are exposed will do if somebody develops symptoms of Covid-19 (quarantining, isolation, medical care, return plan for home). There will be more information on this situation below. Honestly, it is worth considering whether all the risk and additional restrictions to counteract that risk is worth traveling or staying overnight in another household this year. Check out the report below to see a break down of CDC guidelines for Thanksgiving.
5. If You are Exposed
If you are exposed to Covid-19 in the course of your travels or while at a holiday celebration, quarantine yourself immediately and take the following steps:
- Stay at home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has Covid-19
- Watch for fever (100.4 degrees F or higher), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of Covid-19
- Get tested at the beginning of your 14 day quarantine and at the end
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
In conclusion
About 9 months into this nightmare, we are all sick of the restrictions, CDC guidelines, and being stuck at home. We all have family we have been unable to visit and big celebrations that mark milestones have been cancelled. The sad truth of the matter is that the virus does not care. There are promising reports of a third vaccine with high efficacy, but that does not mean we are any less vulnerable than we were 9 months ago when this global health nightmare started.
This crisis will have severe mental health implications that will affect an entire generation. If you or a loved one are suffering from poor mental health, give me a call at 702-530-1318 or email at bracechris3@gmail.com All of this information is also conveniently available for you at the top of the page as well. Make sure to subscribe below and share on Twitter/Facebook if you like the articles I put out.
Be safe and take care of yourself everyone! Happy Holidays!!!
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