Holiday celebrations this year will be different. It’s no secret. Right when we need family and friends the most, is the time when we need to stay the furthest away from them. It doesn’t seem fair!  The entire year doesn’t seem fair, but let’s take the necessary precautions to finish off strong together!

Now, more than ever, it is critical for all of us to follow CDC guidelines and recommendations to keep ourselves, our families, and our loved ones in good health.

In order to celebrate this holiday season and keep your family safe, here are a few considerations announced by the CDC:

  • Check the COVID-19 infection rates in areas where attendees live on state, local, territorial, or tribal health department websites. Based on the current status of the pandemic, consider if it is safe to hold or attend the gathering on the proposed date.
  • Limit the number of attendees as much as possible to allow people from different households to always remain at least 6 feet apart. Guests should avoid direct contact, including handshakes and hugs, with others not from their household.
  • Host outdoor rather than indoor gatherings as much as possible. Even outdoors, require guests to wear masks when not eating or drinking.
  • Avoid holding gatherings in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces with persons who are not in your household.
  • Require guests to wear masks. At gatherings that include persons of different households, everyone should always wear a mask that covers both the mouth and nose, except when eating or drinking. It is also important to always stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not in your household.
  • Encourage guests to avoid singing or shouting, especially indoors. Keep music levels down so people don’t have to shout or speak loudly to be heard.
  • Encourage attendees to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Have more questions about the CDC recommendations? Check out their Holiday Celebrations and Small Gatherings blog here.