'Tis the season many would normally gather with friends and family to share food and gifts. However, this year things will look a lot different due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After nine months of being separated, we are sure you are wondering if you should attempt to celebrate the holidays together while doing your best to curb the spread of the coronavirus or if you should skip gatherings altogether for your own personal safety and the safety of your community.
At KHCC, we encourage all participants, staff and community members to make holiday gatherings small, limiting them to just the immediate household. We know the desire to gather with family and friends is normal after such a difficult year, but we know gathering during this pandemic would be dangerous for ourselves and the community.
So, here are some tips for making this holiday safer, as recommended by the CDC:
- Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19 to protect others and yourself.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you. Remember that people without symptoms or with a recent negative test result can still spread COVID-19 to others.
- Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces. As much as possible, avoid crowds and indoors spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors as much as possible. If indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible.
- Wash your hands
- Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Get a flu shot as soon as possible
Need tips for making your small gathering fun? Here are some suggestions:
- Host a virtual celebration with friends and family
- Host a virtual “ugly” holiday sweater contest.
- Gather virtually for a gift exchange or activity
- Decorate or create a winter holiday scene and take family photos at home.
- Drive or walk around your community to look at decorations from a safe distance or drive through a local holiday light display.
- Make holiday crafts, cards, or cookies to send or deliver to family, friends, and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others, such as leaving them at the door.
- Throw a virtual dance party
For more details on these suggestions, read their full list of winter guidelines HERE.
For those who feel they must travel during the holidays, we strongly advise on following all state and city guidelines for quarantining and testing upon return. For more information, please see the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s travel guidance and Safe Holiday guidance.