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Tips for the Holidays

Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Tips for the Holidays

Everyone Can Make the Holidays Safer

Gatherings with family and friends are fun but can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. If you plan on hosting friends and family, follow these tips to make your holiday safer.

Hosting a Gathering:

  • Limit the number of guests.
  • Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.
  • Improve ventilation with fans and by setting your furnace on continuous circulation.
  • Limit the number of people in food preparation areas.
  • Wear a mask, and have paper bags for guests to safely store masks while eating.
  • Have guests bring their own food and drink.
  • If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.

The safest way to celebrate this year is with people in your household. If you do plan to spend time with people outside your household, please take these steps:

Wear a mask

  • Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19.
  • Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
  • Make sure the mask fits snugly against the sides of your face.

Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you

  • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread COVID-19 or flu.
  • Keeping 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Wash your hands

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Keep hand sanitizer with you and use it when you are unable to wash your hands.
  • Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

This is reliable information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn more holiday tips: Read Holiday Celebrations & Small Gatherings

Written by CDC