COVID-19: How to keep your family safe this holiday season

The holidays may be around the corner, but COVID-19 is looming large. What does that mean for your annual traditions? With case counts continually on the rise and hospitals reaching capacity, the festivities and celebrations will probably need to look a little different this year. Assessing your risk will make it easier to decide how to move forward with holiday celebrations in the coming weeks.

For many people, it’s hard to imagine holiday dinners without the traditional turkey feast or ham, surrounded by family and friends. But Intermountain Healthcare infectious disease expert Eddie Stenehjem, MD, urged people to be cautious when planning gatherings.

“Unfortunately, our holidays are coming in at a terrible time for us,” Stenehjem said. “Cases are at an all-time high and are continuing to go up. … So, if you are bringing other people into your home, if you're bringing in a large family gathering, that could be a super spreader event.”

Stenehjem warned that even small indoor gatherings can be a source for transmitting the virus. Instead, he suggested opting for an outdoor gathering if the weather permits. If you have to be inside, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated space and follow CDC guidelines.

Apart from your holiday meals, you may have plans to travel or host visitors. Here’s what you need to know:

• College students carry a high risk of infection and often are asymptomatic (showing no symptoms). If you have a college student returning for the holidays, you may want to consider having them come home early to quarantine.
• Visitors who come from areas with a high rate of confirmed COVID cases carry a much higher risk – particularly if they haven’t been wearing masks or practicing social distancing.
• Visitors traveling from places with lower case counts may not pose a risk to you, but you might pose a risk to them.
• If you’re concerned about spreading the virus before you travel, quarantine for 14 days beforehand, if possible.
• Recognize that even while taking precautions, traveling increases your risk of catching or transmitting COVID-19.

Reference: 

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/covid-19/2020/11/covid-19-how-to-kee