COVID-19 Team Update: Stay Covid-safe this holiday season

This holiday season we want to stop and reflect on how far we have come and to feel optimistic about the future. Even with COVID still impacting daily life, the advent and adoption of safe and effective vaccines means that for many of us, cherished holiday traditions will be celebrated this year.

That said, we must also remind ourselves of the still-present risk of COVID-19 and renew our commitment to safeguarding one another. The best way to keep yourself, your friends, and your loved ones safe is to be vaccinated and, if eligible, receive your booster. This is especially important to protect people who cannot be vaccinated, including young children under the age of 5, or the immunocompromised who may not be fully protected by the vaccine.

In the last year, we have had to deal with variants including Delta and now Omicron. The good news is being vaccinated greatly lowers the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or worse. Additionally, the safety measures we have taken all along still provide protection against these variants and can slow the spread of the virus. The most important step you can take is to stay home if you are ill. If you feel sick at all, even mildly so, do not attend or host an event. Instead, please be tested and follow the advice of your healthcare provider. When shopping, dining, and traveling, or attending other events, follow the same safety measures we ask you to follow at work – wear face coverings and practice social distancing. If possible, consider meeting your friends and family outside.

These practices, along with the travel and holiday tips from the CDC, can help keep you from becoming ill or unknowingly passing the virus to someone else. Your loved ones and everyone you encounter will benefit from the efforts you take. One of the most important gifts you can give to yourself and others is the gift of health.

You have all faced challenges and made sacrifices because of COVID. We know it has not been easy. But staying vigilant and continuing to follow safety guidelines is allowing all of us to return to a closer-to-normal holiday season. Because of your diligence, we look forward to in the year ahead. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do to care for our community.

Stay safe and Happy Holidays,
COVID-19 Response Team

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