Quick Tips for Safer Holiday Travel and Gatherings

The final weeks of the year are upon us, which means the holiday season is in full swing. And during this time of year, it becomes more important than ever to celebrate with those you depend on and look forward to what the new year might bring. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, issues with stress and isolation are at an all-time high, so meeting with others safely during this season may be a priority for your team. If you do decide to host or attend some form of holiday gathering, consider these factors from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help stay safe.

Keep Small and Carry On

If want to host a holiday party, remember the smaller the group the better. The CDC encourages to keep the number of attendees to a minimum, while also working within local ordinances concerning gatherings.

During the event, it is important to avoid crowding, maintain a six-feet distance, and follow “state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations.”

Stay Informed

It’s important to stay up to date on the number of cases in your area. The higher the levels of COVID-19 in your community, the higher the risk of infection and spread is at your small gathering.

CDC: “Family and friends should consider the number of COVID-19 cases in their community and in the community where they plan to celebrate when deciding whether to host or attend a gathering.” Check the case numbers for your area (U.S.Canada).

Focus on Healthy Transportation

Understand the threats caused by travel and make decisions on transportation accordingly. The CDC has stated that “airports, bus stations, train stations, public transport, gas stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces.”

Embrace the Great Outdoors

According to the CDC, “Indoor gatherings, especially those with poor ventilation (for example, small enclosed spaces with no outside air), pose more risk than outdoor gatherings,” so hosting a small gathering outdoors is the safer way to see one another this holiday season.

Keep it Short and Sweet

According to the CDC, “gatherings that last longer pose more risk than shorter gatherings. Being within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more greatly increases the risk of becoming sick and requires quarantine.” Be aware of the duration of your events and encourage attendees to not linger after the gathering.

Maintain Healthy Habits

During gatherings, it’s important to maintain healthy habits to help keep everyone safe. According to the CDC, “gatherings with more safety measures in place, such as mask wearing, social distancing, and handwashing, pose less risk than gatherings where fewer or no preventive measures are being implemented.” It’s also important to encourage attendees to maintain healthy habits prior to the event to not expose others.

For more information about holiday gatherings, visit the CDC’s Holiday Gathering page.

What measures are you taking to keep everyone safe during your holiday gatherings? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

 

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