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Here’s what you can do.
Traditional holiday gatherings with family and friends are fun but can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. Follow these tips to make your holiday safer. The safest way to celebrate this year is to celebrate with people in your household.
- Wear a mask.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you (about 2 arm lengths)
- Wash your hands. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Keep hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) with you and use it when you are unable to wash your hands.
Attending a Gathering:
Take these additional steps while attending a gathering.
- Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
- Wear a mask, and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
- Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen.
- Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils.
Hosting a Gathering:
If having guests to your home, be sure that people follow the steps that everyone can take to be safe. Other steps you can take:
- Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community.
- 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.
- If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.
- Limit the number of people in food preparation areas.
- Have guests bring their own food and drinks.
- If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.
If you do travel:
- Check travel restrictions before you go.
- Get your flu shot before you travel.
- Always wear a mask in public settings and on public transportation.
- Stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone who doesn’t live in your household.
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.
Shopping:
- Shop online sales on the days leading up to the winter holidays.
- Use contactless services for purchased items, like curbside pick-up.
- Shop in open air markets staying 6 feet away from others.
Other Activities:
- Safely prepare traditional dishes and deliver them to family and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others (for example, leave them on the porch).
- Participate in a gratitude activity, like writing down things you are grateful for and sharing with your friends and family.
- Schedule a time to share a meal together virtually. Have people share recipes or show dishes they prepared.
The following people should not attend in-person holiday gatherings:
Do not host or participate in any in-person gatherings if you or anyone in your household:
- Has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has not met the criteria for when it is safe to be around others
- Has symptoms of COVID-19
- Is waiting for COVID-19 viral test results
- May have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- Is at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19