This holiday season is going to look different. Because of the pandemic, a lot of us won’t be able to gather with family and friends like we usually do. But hey, we can still find ways to celebrate! The good news is that with a COVID-19 vaccine coming soon, it’s pretty likely we’ll get back to normal holidays next year.
For now, though, we all have to keep doing what we can to slow down COVID-19. The safest bet this season? Stick with people you live with.. and plan some virtual hangouts with others!
Here are some tips from the Cambridge Public Health Department on how you can enjoy the holidays safely while protecting yourself, your loved ones, and the community.
(Link to Holiday Safety Flyer – PDF)
BASIC HOLIDAY SAFETY:
Wear a mask whenever you’re around others.
Keep physical distance from people not in your household.
Wash your hands often.
LOW-RISK WAYS TO CELEBRATE:
Hosting a holiday party online.
Dropping off homemade treats for family or neighbors without contact.
Putting up festive decorations at home.
Taking a walk around your neighborhood to check out holiday lights and decor.
Joining religious services virtually.
Watching holiday movies or events at home.
Sending holiday cards by mail.
Mailing gifts and opening them together on video calls.
Buying gifts online.
MEDIUM-RISK ACTIVITIES:
Meeting outside with family or friends who live nearby. (Massachusetts limits outdoor gatherings right now to 25 people.)
Going to outdoor community events like menorah lightings or tree lightings. Just remember your mask and stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone not in your household. Avoid crowds too.
HIGHER-RISK THINGS AND HOW TO BE SAFER:
Shopping during busy times.
How to make it safer:
Try shopping during quieter hours like weekday afternoons or just shop online instead.
Attending indoor religious services.
How to be safer:
Virtual services are really the safest since attending in person has led to more COVID cases.
If you can, see if there’s an outdoor or online option instead.
If you must go indoors, keep six feet away from others not in your household and wear a mask. Don’t sing because singing spreads the virus more easily.
Check if your place of worship uses recorded music or soloists who wear masks while singing-this lowers risk compared to choirs performing live.
Leave right after the service ends.
Going to the gym on busy days like New Year’s Day.
Make it safer:
Work out at home or outdoors instead when possible.
Dinner out indoors especially with folks outside your household.
Make it safer:
Only eat out with people you live with.
Have everyone wear masks except when actually eating or drinking.
Pick spots that have good airflow inside.
If eating out with others not in your household, keep groups small and try dining outside if possible. Avoid loud talking and singing.
INDOOR GET-TOGETHERS
If you choose an indoor gathering, remember many people might have COVID-19 without knowing it because they don’t feel sick but can still spread it. Being indoors raises everyone’s chance of catching coronavirus. Right now Massachusetts only allows up to 10 people indoors together. Here’s how you can reduce risk:
Keep visits short.
Stick to basic safety – wear masks when not eating (and have extras ready). Wash hands often. Stay spaced out about 6 feet apart and remind others too.
Open windows and doors for better airflow.
If hosting food:
Ask guests bring their own food/drinks just for their household. No sharing utensils; avoid buffets or self-serve options.
Seat people far apart; maybe spread into several rooms rather than one big table.
Before meeting up: limit social contacts for 14 days before OR get a molecular (PCR) COVID test within three days before gathering.
After meeting: wait about 4-5 days then get tested so any infection is easier detected; meanwhile limit contact & leave home only for essentials.
TRAVELING DURING THE PANDEMIC
Traveling ups your chances of catching or spreading COVID-19 – staying home is still best way protect yourself and others.
If you’re planning travel, here’s how risks stack up:
Highest Risk
Higher Risk
Trips involving people outside your household
Using trains & buses
Direct flights
Medium Risk
Longer car trips that include stops
Lowest Risk
Staying home celebrating only with those in your house
Short car trips without stopping outside household members
You can find more info on holiday travel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
If heading out-of-state, check travel rules where you’re going plus Massachusetts’ rules for returning travelers.
(Link to Holiday Safety Flyer – PDF)
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