Fall is here—a time for colorful leaves, cooler temperatures, and celebrating seasonal holidays like Halloween, Dìa de los Muertos, and Thanksgiving. But this one isn’t like any other fall season we’ve ever had, so while it’s important to maintain some sense of normalcy, it’s equally important to maintain physical distance and safe practices while celebrating.
Understanding low-, moderate-, and high-risk activities
Generally, for all holidays, low risk activities include remaining at home and participating in gatherings or rituals virtually or only with those who live in your household. Moderate risk activities include participating in smaller scale events while maintaining a safe physical distance and wearing proper face masks. Avoid high risk activities such as any that involve:
- Crowds and close interaction with those who don’t live in your household
- Attendance at large-scale indoor parties or gatherings
- Use of substances that can impair judgment
Hosting and attending holiday gatherings
If you will be hosting a celebration, below are some considerations:
- Host outdoor activities rather than indoor activities as much as possible. If hosting an outdoor event is not possible, avoid crowded, poorly ventilated, or fully enclosed indoor spaces.
- Limit numbers of attendees as much as possible.
- If you are planning in-person holiday gatherings with people outside of your household, consider asking all guests to strictly avoid contact with people outside of their households for 14 days before the gathering.
If you will be attending an in-person holiday gathering, below are some considerations:
- Check with the event host, organizer, or event venue for updated information about any COVID-19 safety guidelines and if they have steps in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Bring supplies to help you and others stay healthy. For example, bring extra masks (do not share or swap with others), hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and tissues.
- If you are planning to attend in-person holiday gatherings with people outside of your household, consider strictly avoiding contact with people outside of your household for 14 days before the gathering.
The Centers for Disease Control offers more specific guidelines on how you can safely navigate holiday events and and still make the most of them. Get additional information on how to enjoy the season while keeping yourself and your family safe.
