Celebrate The Holidays Safely
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the upcoming holidays look – and should be – approached differently. Traditionally, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s activities involve lots of parties and togetherness. However, this year, low risk alternatives should be considered in efforts to have a healthy and safe holiday season. The Corpus Christi – Nueces County Public Health District recommends the following holiday safety tips:
General
- Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination, such as children younger than five, by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated.
- Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
- Even those who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission.
- Avoid setting out a buffet. Plate everyone’s food and make single serve desserts.
- Outdoors is safer than indoors. Consider hosting your holiday meal outside, under a tent, or a well-ventilated porch.
- Consider virtual activities for those who cannot join or are considered too vulnerable to come in person. For example, family members who are over 60 or those with underlining medical conditions.
- Open windows to allow the air to circulate.
Christmas
- Shop online to avoid holiday crowds.
- If shopping in stores, avoid crowded aisles.
- Deliver Gifts contactless to family and friends.
New Year’s Eve
- Find alternative ways to “ring in” the New Year.
- Avoid attending large, crowded parties where COVID-19 can easily spread.
Travel Tips
If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC’s Travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.
- If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s domestic travel or international travel recommendations for unvaccinated people.
- If you will be traveling in a group or family with unvaccinated people, choose safer travel options.
- Everyone, even people who are fully vaccinated, is required to wear a mask on public transportation and follow international travel recommendations.
