With the holiday season just around the corner, concerns have surfaced about the public and private gatherings that are central to holiday traditions. Consider the following tips and recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to gather safely as you and your families and communities celebrate this holiday season:
Get Vaccinated
The best way to avoid severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Ensure your loved ones who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine have been vaccinated before attending holiday gatherings.
Consider Gathering Size, Timeframe and Location
Keep gatherings small and reduce the length of a gathering to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. In addition, host gatherings outdoors when possible. If you have an outdoor event planned, create a back-up plan in the event of bad weather.
Do a Health Check
Encourage those attending a gathering to do a health check before arriving. Has anyone had a cough, fever or shortness of breath in the previous two weeks? Anyone with a fever or with COVID-19 symptoms should stay home.
Check Your Guest List
Consider whether any individuals in high-risk categories are planning to attend a gathering. If older adults, those with medical conditions, children under 5 who are ineligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, or pregnant or recently pregnant people are planning to attend, take additional precautions.
Travel Safely
For those who are traveling during the holidays, consider following the CDC travel guidelines. If traveling to or from a high COVID-19 transmission area, take additional precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19.
Get Tested
Getting tested and encouraging other guests to get tested for COVID-19 is a great way to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 at your gathering. Provide at-home tests for those attending a gathering, or find a testing location near you.
Don’t Forget the Basics
Masking up, washing hands or using hand sanitizer, and staying 6 feet apart are effective at reducing the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. Similarly, sanitizing the space before and after a gathering and opening windows to allow for airflow can reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Sign up for WA Notify
Download the WA Notify app to your smartphone. This will alert you if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and will anonymously inform others if you test positive for COVID-19.
For more information about gathering safely during this holiday season, visit this DOH webpage:
https://www.coronavirus.wa.gov/information-for/you-and-your-family/safer-gatherings.