Holidays and the Coronavirus
Five 180 degree turns for this holiday season
1) Do your shopping early!
One thing we know about COVid is that it has disrupted the supply chain. Remember toilet paper? There may be shortages of things you want to buy. Get out there early.
Locally, ChristKindlmart, usually held in December has moved up this year and is going on right now! The new dates are October 8 - November 29
2) Modify your family gathering
I know, I know, but do you really want your Thanksgiving dinner to turn into a super-spreader event? Think of your older relatives. Maybe this year you want to rethink the size, gathering, airflow, etc. Dr Anthony Fauci said recently: “if you do things with a good to modest degree of care, you may be able to congregate indoors for Thanksgiving or for a religious holiday. However, there are certain areas where the level of infection is concerning. And under those circumstances, you may need to take extra precaution.”
3) Modify your travel
Make sure you have no COVID-like symptoms for at least 2 weeks prior to travel.
Get tested before you travel and, if possible, quarantine at a hotel for at least 48 hours before seeing your loved ones.
Drive if possible - maybe take extra time off work
If you fly, travel during off-peak hours, wear a well-fitting mask (N95 if possible), social distance, and make sure the airline is keeping the middle seat open. Take wet wipes to wipe down the back of your seat and tray table, and make sure you have hand sanitizer.
4) modify the contact you have at the fathering:
At the family gathering, cut down on close contact and talking without a mask -- particularly around elderly loved ones. Refrain from hugging and keep the airflow going, even if it gets a little chilly. Consider getting an air cleaner or just open the windows.
5) Modify your religious observation.
Make sure the elderly and immune compromised don’t attend and instead offer to set up a virtual church setting for them. Let them know you’d like them around for 2021 holiday season!