Holidays, gatherings & travel
When we enter the holiday season we need to be careful. It may mean our holidays will be different this year, but we can still find ways to celebrate safely with loved ones.
Holidays and social gatherings are important. And we have many traditions – often those of holding festive celebrations, spending time together, and sharing meals.
However, research shows that small private gatherings with family and friends can spread the virus just as quickly as large public events. There is a significant risk of sharing the virus every time we get together with others we don’t live with, even when we feel good about ourselves. And when winter weather hits Pennsylvania, cold, dry air creates ideal conditions for respiratory viruses like the coronavirus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend people from different households not to spend more than 15 minutes within two meters of each other in a 24 hour period. We should continue to follow all health and safety measures such as: B. wearing masks and staying two meters away, and consider socializing virtually to protect your health and others.
Virtual gatherings & vacation ideas
It may be different from our usual traditions, but there are many ways we can creatively celebrate the holidays, even if we’re not personal. Some ideas on how we can safely celebrate together are:
- Enjoy extra time with your immediate household (and make the most of the time you normally spend hosting or traveling to a large gathering).
- Host a virtual celebration and invite family and friends who are usually too far away to attend your usual personal events
- Creating a sense of togetherness by organizing a drive-by potluck in which each meal participant delivers part of their meal to others at home (which allows food to be shared safely and food waste to be minimized)
- Take a break from cooking and Support your local restaurants by ordering take away or delivery. You, your family and friends can order the same food in the same place, or mix it up and order different dishes from different restaurants
As the holidays approach, please take the time to create a safe vacation schedule for your celebrations to protect yourself and those you love.
Are you looking for more inspiration for a safe vacation at home? Try this out visitPA website.
Ideas for a happy Holi stay in PA
Reducing the risk of face-to-face meetings
If you are hosting or attending a personal gathering, please take precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Although we are comfortable with family and close friends, we should not give up our vigilance.
It can be tempting to take off your mask, hug, and be physically close when spending time with loved ones. But even if you or others seem healthy, you can still carry and pass the virus on.
Please follow the instructions from the CDC for hosting or attending a meeting. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Wear a mask when you are not eating or drinking AND keep three feet apart
- Wash your hands frequently
- Restricting common contact with food and serving utensils
- Bring your own plates, eat utensils and drinks
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and shared objects
- Download the COVID Alert PA App from the App Store or Google Play
If possible, try to organize the event outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Even outdoors, guests should wear masks when they are not eating or drinking. And most importantly, if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or feel uncomfortable, please stay home.
COVID Alert PA
Add your phone to the fight against COVID-19 by downloading this COVID Alert PA App. After you’ve downloaded the app, you can sign up to receive notifications when you may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. If you’re traveling to other locations in the US, the app will work in:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- new York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
