Take Care By Taking Five This Thanksgiving

The countdown to the holidays has begun!

If you have plans to visit family or friends over the holidays, it is important to take precautions to keep yourself and others safe as you gather together!

In addition to wearing a face mask, social distancing, and good hand hygiene, the following five measures can help protect you and others from COVID-19.

1. Keep Your Gatherings to 10 (or less!): More than ten people gathering together increases the odds of someone in the group being a symptomless or pre-symptomatic carrier of the coronavirus.
2. Outside is Better than Inside: If the weather cooperates, try to gather outside as much as possible. It’s safer! 
3. Protect the Elderly and Medically Vulnerable: The elderly and the medically vulnerable are at the highest risk of death from COVID-19. Gatherings can be risky for this group but should be balanced with that person’s feeling of isolation. Consider virtual inclusion if possible. If you are planning an in-person gathering, consider COVID-19 testing for visitors three days before the visit. Everyone should wear a mask, increase handwashing, and cleaning techniques.
4. Monitor Your Health Daily Leading up to the Holiday: If you exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19, immediately isolate and contact your doctor to conduct a Virtual Care visit. You can also schedule a COVID-19 virtual screening
5. Out-of-Household Family Members: Have candid conversations with your college kids who are returning home for the holidays to help ensure their re-entry into the house is as safe as possible. Anyone traveling to visit you from out of town should share their travel and self-quarantine plans and actions to stay safe once they arrive and return home.

Here are a few resources:

• Vaccine Recommendations
• Schedule a Virtual Visit