Safer Ways to Celebrate the Holidays

 

Our own Lisa Sturm developed this set of guidelines for work-related holiday gatherings for Associates. Lisa leads Ascension's nationwide Community of Infection Preventionists.

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The CDC updated it's holiday celebration guidance Oct. 15, saying full vaccination before attending a gathering is the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk. 

"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," the guidance says. 

According to Becker's Hospital Review, the CDC included seven additional recommendations for the coming holiday season:

1. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated should wear masks in indoor public settings.
2. All individuals should wear masks in public indoor settings in areas with "substantial to high Covid-19 transmission," regardless of vaccination status.
3. Outdoor gatherings are typically safer than indoor gatherings—and individuals should generally avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
4. Anyone who is sick or experiencing Covid-19 symptoms should not attend or host a gathering.
5. Individuals who have a condition or take medication that weakens the immune system should wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
6. If attending a gathering with people from different areas of the country, individuals should take extra precautions, such as avoiding crowded spaces before travel and getting tested in advance.
7. Children younger than two should not wear masks. The best way to protect young children is to ensure that all eligible guests have been fully vaccinated.

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For more info about celebrating the holidays safely at work, at home, in public, or while traveling, see The CDC's page about Holiday Celebrations which covers:

• General Precautions
• Travel Considerations, and
• Special Considerations.

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