SAFETY FIRST DURING WINTER HOLIDAYS

/ Union Avenue Christian Church/
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The winter holidays mark an important time of year in our households. These end-of-year celebrations have traditionally meant gathering with friends and extended family. But this year must be different. The COVID-19 pandemic persists, and as colder temperatures keep us indoors, cases are quickly rising to record levels. We owe it to ourselves, those we love, and the communities we cherish to change our behavior.

This winter, avoid gathering with anyone outside your immediate household. Eating meals with others – even extended family members and friends – poses risks of transmission. Make sure you stay at least six feet away from others outside your household at all times. Avoid all gatherings, especially large ones. Wear a mask in public places and wherever you might be near others. If you must gather, choose outdoor settings over indoor ones whenever possible. And be meticulous about washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds several times a day.

As you plan for winter holiday celebrations, know that any activity involving people outside your household can be dangerous – and may even be deadly. Staying home is the only truly safe option.

If you still feel the need to travel anywhere or gather with anyone outside your immediate family, despite knowing the risk to yourself and to others, consider these factors before you make your plans:

  • COVID-19 is spreading at a record pace here in the greater St. Louis area, outstate Missouri, and elsewhere. Attending any gathering of individuals outside of your immediate household risks further spread.

  • The most common symptoms of the virus are cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of taste, loss of smell, fever, achiness and diarrhea. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and get tested for COVID-19.

  • Many people who have COVID-19 don’t experience symptoms. But those people can easily spread the virus to others who may experience symptoms and complications, including death.

  • Know before you go: Consider getting a COVID-19 test before the holidays begin. It is important to know whether you have COVID-19 so that you can stay away from others. It is very contagious. If you test positive, you must be isolated from others for 10 days after the test or the onset of symptoms.

  • People who have been around someone who has COVID-19 for any significant time should stay at home in quarantine for two weeks following their last contact with the infected person. Anyone who develops any symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested. If you have been quarantined, consider getting a COVID-19 test towards the end of your quarantine even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms.

  • Many members of our community are at high risk of complications from COVID-19 due to age, underlying medical condition or other factors. Don’t risk spreading COVID-19 to a vulnerable family member or friend.

  • Ask yourself: Is traveling anywhere during a pandemic worth it?

  • Consider whether you are prepared to spend two weeks in quarantine after you return if you have been exposed to anyone who has COVID-19, which will be required by St. Louis County and St. Louis City health orders, for instance.

Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household poses no added risk for spread. Please, stay home this holiday season so that you can celebrate with extended family and friends in the future. Let’s be sure to protect that future by making the right choices in the present.