People in the US and around the world are planning for the holidays. Some holiday traditions are being postponed, while others will look very different this year in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In general, you can stay safe by:
- Always wear a face mask, all times outside your of residence, unless and until you have arrived at your pod/family gathering
- Frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol
- Avoiding touching your face
- Avoiding contact with sick people
- Getting your seasonal flu vaccine
- Limiting contact with commonly touched surfaces and items
- Using EPA-approved disinfectants where possible
In addition, you should not host or participate in in-person events if you or someone in your household:
- Has been recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and doesn’t meet the criteria for being safe around others
- Is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
- Is waiting for viral test results
- May have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- Are at higher risk of severe illness
These tips are meant to supplement your community health and safety regulations as well as CDC recommendations. If you think you’ve been exposed or start experiencing symptoms, get tested and notify anyone that you have been in contact with.
Holiday Travel
The safest place to be is at home having a virtual or small celebration with your household. If you’re traveling, social distance where possible and wear coronavirus PPE like a face mask and face shield in public settings. Keep an eye on the community levels of COVID-19 in your area as well as where you’ll be traveling to, and be prepared to change your plans.
Shopping
When possible, do your holiday shopping online. When in-person shopping, support small local businesses, wear a mask, and social distance. Plan to shop on less-busy shopping days and in less-crowded stores. Be mindful of restaurants and restrooms, where it’s harder to keep your distance.
Visiting Family and Friends
It is recommended that you quarantine for 14 days before visiting anyone you don’t live with. Wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times. Keep gatherings as short and small as possible. While it’s safest to stay outdoors, that’s not always feasible: if you have to be indoors, avoid crowded, poorly ventilated, or fully-enclosed spaces, and increase the ventilation by opening windows and doors if conditions permit.
Safety Supply Experts at PK Safety
As your workplace safety partner, we keep our equipment and information up to date to make sure that you remain safe at home, on the job, or in a pandemic. If you have safety questions, read our COVID-19 safety plan, contact our safety experts online or call 800.829.9580.