As we head into the holiday season, many of us are thinking about how we can safely see how family and friends for our traditional holiday gatherings. Consider the following safety guidelines as we head into the holidays:
- Holiday Meals: Limit the number of people for which social distancing is possible before, during and after the meal. Consider single-use disposable utensils and dishware for serving and eating meals. Wash and disinfect guest areas before and after holiday gatherings.
- Travel Considerations: If traveling this holiday season, consider the mode of transportation, the dates you will be traveling, and your risk to COVID-19 exposure while traveling. Carry a small personal sanitizing kit that contains hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and extra masks Driving your own vehicle will reduce your exposure to COVID-19.
- Overnight Guests: If you plan to have or be an overnight guest, the host and guests should communicate about what is expected ahead of time. Identify a room where an individual can isolate should they develop symptoms or test positive while visiting. Make sure everyone understands the importance of wearing a mask and social distancing. Ensure that soap and sanitizer are available, and clean frequently touched services.
- Holiday Shopping: Consider alternative ways to purchase gifts other than visiting stores in person, where possible. Shopping online is considered lower risk. Shopping in-person, wearing a mask, and maintaining 6 six of distance at off-peak times is medium risk. High risk activities include sale promotions or holiday activities that encourage large crowds.
This information comes from the Illinois Department of Public Health. More guidelines and safety considerations can be found on the Center for Disease Control website.