Though we know the lowest risk way to celebrate the holiday season this year is with members of our own households, many of us hope that we can still spend a few hours together with our closest family members or friends. But will it be safe?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares many guidelines for how to minimize your COVID-19 risk when gathered with others, but the amount of information can feel overwhelming. So, we asked Rebekah Sensenig, D.O., Infectious Disease Specialist with Riverside Health to help us simplify the CDC’s safety tips for holiday celebrations. With this handy guide, we hope you and yours will find it easier to make decisions about how to enjoy this season safely.
Happy holidays from Riverside!
First things first: Everyone should limit contact with others for two weeks before a holiday gathering.
If you plan to host or attend a holiday meal or gathering this year, Dr. Sensenig says the first thing you should do to protect your family and friends is to strictly avoid close contact with others and all nonessential activities – like eating in a restaurant or going to the gym – for two weeks before the event. This is because infectious diseases like COVID-19 are spread from person to person.
“Any time you come in contact with another person, you’re giving yourself an opportunity to get sick with COVID-19 or any infectious disease,” Dr. Sensenig explains.
Dr. Sensenig says that if you practice strict social distancing for 14 days before your holiday gathering, you’ll drastically reduce your chance of getting the coronavirus and spreading it to your loved ones.
One study published by JAMA Network Open found that a 50% decrease in visits to nonessential businesses was associated with a 45% decrease in the spread of the coronavirus in the community.
“Work from home if you can, and maybe just go to the grocery a couple times – wearing a mask of course. Ask those who will be gathering with you to do the same if possible,” Dr. Sensenig adds.
Why limit contact for two weeks, or 14 days?
The CDC says a person who is infected with COVID-19 can remain contagious for at least 10 days. But, because the contagious period – or the amount of time you can spread an infectious disease to others – for COVID-19 is still being researched, experts recommend a 14-day self-quarantine for anyone who thinks they could have COVID-19.
“So, if you’ve had minimal to no contact with others for 14 days, it’s highly unlikely you’re contagious with COVID-19,” says Dr. Sensenig.
If you’re hosting, don’t be afraid to cancel.
The CDC says hosts of holiday celebrations should keep an eye on the COVID-19 levels in their communities in the weeks and days before their events.
“If cases are high or on the rise in your town or region, you might want to consider canceling. Don’t feel bad about it. Your guests will certainly understand this year,” Dr. Sensenig says.
Keep up with what your state and local government leaders are saying about current case numbers and follow their recommendations regarding postponing or canceling gatherings or limiting guests.
Here’s what a holiday gathering might look like during a pandemic.
If you’re hosting:
- The gathering should be outdoors if the weather makes it possible. Otherwise, keep the space well ventilated by opening windows or turning on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
- Spaces should be arranged in a way that allows for social distancing. For example, chairs should be 6 feet apart.
- If you want guests to wear masks, let them know in advance and have disposable masks handy in case someone forgets theirs.
- Single-use hand towels should be provided at sinks.
- Hand sanitizer can be placed at the front door and around areas where food is served.
- One person should serve the food, or guests can bring their own food and drinks.
- Dinner tables should be set up with place settings, or plates, utensils and cups can be set out individually, so everyone only touches the items they’ll use.
“And don’t forget the power of limiting the number of guests. Inviting fewer people means less eventual spread of COVID-19 if one of your guests does happen to show up infected,” Dr. Sensening says. “This is the time to celebrate with as small of group as possible with guests from the same local area if possible.”
For everyone at the event:
- Wear a mask, especially if you haven’t been able to practice strict social distancing for 14 days before the gathering.
- Greet each other verbally and with waves, not with hugs, kisses or handshakes.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you arrive, before you eat and before you leave.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Do your best to maintain a 6-foot distance from others, especially while eating and drinking.
“Once the party is over, use a disinfectant to clean. And everyone who was at the gathering should consider continuing strict social distancing for 14 days afterward, always wearing a mask when around others,” Dr. Sensening says.
Related:
- Learn more about Rebekah Sensenig, M.D.
- Navigating COVID-19
- Healthy YOU
