November 13, 2020

SAFETY TIPS FOR HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS DURING COVID-19

Reducing risks when attending in-person festivities

Contact:

Noelda Lopez, Public Information Specialist Noelda.Lopez@flhealth.gov

Office: 352-589-6424, After Hours: 352-728-7662

Eustis, Fla. - Traditional holiday celebrations may encourage the spread of Covid-19, but the Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) wants to remind everyone that we can still have meaningful gatherings if we modify our usual plans in order to stay safe.

As per the CDC, here are some tips to reduce the risk of being exposed to, getting, or spreading COVID-19 during the celebrations:

Steps when attending in-person festivities.

• Limiting numbers of attendees as much as possible - Having a small dinner with only people who live in your household
• Having everyone wear a mask when not eating or
• Washing hands and Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet or more from people you don’t live
• Minimize gestures that promote close contact. For example, do not shake hands, bump elbows, or give hugs. Instead wave and verbally greet
• Hosting outdoor events/activities if possible. If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.
• Limit the number of people in food preparation
• If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between

Do not host or participate in any in-person festivities if you or anyone in your household

• Has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has not met the criteria for when it is safe to be around others
• Has symptoms of COVID-19
• Is waiting for COVID-19 viral test results
• May have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• Is at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19
• People at increased risk for severe illness

After the celebration

If you participated in higher risk activities or think that you may have been exposed during your celebration, take extra precautions (in addition the ones listed above) for 14 days after the event to protect others:

• Stay home as much as
• Avoid being around people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• Consider getting tested for COVID-19.

Things to remember:

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others but if you do travel please ensure to follow safety measures during your trip:

• Check travel restrictions before you
• Get your flu shot before you
• Always wear a mask in public settings and on public transportation.
• Stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone who is not in your
• Wash your hands often or use hand
• Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and
• Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand

“We can all help stop the spread of Covid-19 by following these CDC tips.” said Aaron Kissler, DOH-Lake Health Officer “Remember the more of these tips we all follow the less of a chance we have of exposing, contracting or sharing Covid-19 during our holiday gatherings.”

To learn more about holiday celebrations and small gathering visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html

If you have any Covid-19 related questions or concerns, please call the DOH-Lake Covid-19 hotline at (352) 742-4830 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To find the most up-to-date information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage. For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please visit the  CDC COVID-19 website.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.