How can I safely celebrate the holidays in 2021?

You may be wondering how to safely celebrate the holidays with friends and family. Travel and gathering does increase the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. However, you can still enjoy the holidays if you take some steps to stay safe.

Talk to family and friends about their vaccination status. The safest gathering you can have is a fully vaccinated one! But in reality, some people may be unvaccinated or at higher risk (for example, children under 12, elderly, immunocompromised). Have an open conversation about the type and size of celebration that everyone is comfortable with.

Celebrate outdoors if the weather is nice or keep some windows open to increase ventilation. Outdoor activities have a lower risk than indoor activities. Crowded indoor areas with poor air circulation increase risk of getting and spreading COVID..

Agree that everyone will have a negative COVID test before attending. Rapid tests can be purchased at CVS or Walgreens and done at home. They are not perfect, but can help to reduce risk of potential exposures.  

Keep the size of the celebration limited.  If you are celebrating indoors, particularly with high risk people or mixed vaccination groups, then a smaller guest list will reduce the risk.

Unvaccinated guests or guests with weakened immune systems should consider wearing masks when not eating or drinking.  CDC recommends that everyone wear a mask in public indoor settings particularly in crowded areas or areas with substantial or high spread.

Get a booster shot. If you are not fully vaccinated, get vaccinated to protect yourself and others who will be celebrating. The vaccine is safe and effective and the best way to reduce the spread of COVID.

If you have COVID or are quarantining, skip the celebration and stay home.

If you are planning to travel, check out these tips for safe travel.

Enjoy your family and friends and good, but take precautions to reduce the risk of getting or spreading COVID.

Last update: December 3m 2021, 9:22 am ET

Science review: SGB, JAB