Before You Send Holiday Dinner Invitations
Lower your risks, protect friends and family from COVID-19
COVID-19 cases are increasing in every region of the country. As we begin to make holiday plans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidelines for gathering with friends and family. Learn how to safely plan your holiday gatherings and protect those you care about by checking your local laws and CDC recommendations. Being careful now will help you enjoy more holidays together in the future.
Gathering safely
During this pandemic, holiday gatherings will certainly be different. There are safety measures you’ll need to consider lowering your and your family's risk of exposure to the coronavirus.
For the safest celebration, hold a small gathering with only the people who live in your home. You can also prepare and deliver (contact-free) traditional foods for other family and friends. Then share the meal virtually, using a video connection.
If you do host or attend a larger gathering, follow these tips to lower risk:
Rethinking the event
Avoid hosting or joining any in-person gatherings if you or anyone in your home:
Has COVID-19 symptoms, or
Has been diagnosed or exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or
Is waiting for COVID-19 viral test results
If you're at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or live or work with someone with an increased risk of severe illness, you should also avoid in-person gatherings with those outside your home. This is especially true for an elderly family member, or for someone who has a serious and continuing illness or is recovering from one.
Traveling during the holidays
Traveling increases the risk of getting and spreading the coronavirus. Staying home is the safest way to protect yourself.
If you do plan on traveling by car, plane, or train, follow these safety steps:
Wear your mask
Practice physical distancing as much as possible
Clean your hands often with soap and water, or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Avoid touching common surfaces
Remember: When planning a holiday celebration, stay up to date on the current COVID-19 situation in your community. This will help you decide whether to postpone, cancel, or limit the number of guests. Protect your family and friends, so you can be more likely to enjoy more holidays together in the future.
Please vote in our unscientific poll. All responses are anonymous.
