Baldwin Publishing recently created this COVID-19 article for health communications. But this is such good, useful information, we hope you find it helpful as you make personal holiday plans.
During the past few months, countless birthday, graduation, and anniversary celebrations have been postponed due to COVID-19. If you’re like many Americans, you’re eager to start enjoying time spent with family and friends again.
Although there may still be strict social distancing restrictions in your community, you can plan a safe gathering if you keep these things in mind:
- COVID-19 cases in your area. Have coronavirus cases declined near you or is your town now a hot spot? The situation in your area can help you decide if it’s a good idea to host a gathering. Although your guests may seem perfectly healthy, they could spread the virus even though they aren’t showing any symptoms. It is estimated that 25% to 45% of infected people don’t display any symptoms of the virus, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told Good Morning America in June.
- The risk level of your guests. High-risk members of your family may be more likely to become very sick if they get COVID-19. If any of your guests are over age 65, are obese or have chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, respiratory ailments, kidney disease, diabetes or sickle cell disease, attending a gathering could put their health at risk. Until a vaccine or effective treatment is developed, it may be best to reschedule the celebration or invite at-risk guests to join you via Skype, Zoom or FaceTime.
- The size of your gathering. The more people who attend your party, the greater the risk that someone will develop COVID-19. If you plan a casual get-together with a limited number of family members (<10), you’re much more likely to remain healthy than if you throw a party for 40 people or more. Be sure to check state and local regulations for information about the number of people currently permitted to attend indoor or outdoor gatherings where you live.
- Where you’ll hold your party. The COVID-19 virus spreads more easily indoors. The odds that an infected person will transmit the virus in a closed room is 18.7 times higher than in an open-air area, according to Japanese scientists. Hosting your gathering outdoors is a simple way to lower the risk.
Baldwin Publishing is proud to create content that helps people celebrate the holidays safely and stay healthy in this new normal. Because even though the nature of gatherings has changed temporarily, maintaining close relationships with family and friends is as important as ever.
