COVID and the Holidays.
The pandemic started in the United States in March 2020, and now, it is October 2021 and we are still in this pandemic. Did you think we would be here during the Fall and leading into the Winter of 2021?! I know for me, I thought life would be back to normal, a new normal, but not “this type of normal.” Anyway, I am going to suck it up and continue to do my part in this fight to help end the global pandemic (you can find out more of what I do on my Instagram page).
At this point in the pandemic, we all must ask, “what are we going to do to help slow the spread of COVID-19?” Knowing that we are in this pandemic through 2021 and in to 2022, it is time to discuss how we can reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 during the holiday season.
As of today, we, in these United States of America have lost over 700,000 souls to COVID-19, and it is the responsibility of us all to make sure we slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, especially during the holiday season. Now, I know you’re going to spend time with your family, so by no means will I tell you not to do so, but when I tell you what you’re going to need to do in order to slow the spread of the virus, you probably will not like it, but this could save your life and the life of those around you (remember, this delta variant is a beast and for every one person that tests positive, they have possibly exposed at least seven people to the virus.
Your home is your sanctuary, and you want to make sure you protect those that live there and visitors alike from the virus that causes COVID-19. Knowing that, I’m sharing a few tips on how you can slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 during the winter months:
- Host events outdoors or make sure there is ventilation by way of having the windows and doors open. In those states where the weather is brr cold and the thought of having the windows and doors open during the Fall and Winter months brings you chills, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has guidance for when you cannot have windows and doors open on their website (click here).
- Implement a 72-hour PCR testing rule for all visitors. You can send out a cute message to your attendees with a list of testing sites in their local area. The Department of Health and Human Services has made finding a qualified site very easy and you can find that list here.
- Protect your grandparents and little ones by implementing masking indoors for everyone. Why should everyone wear masks around your grandparents, because they deserve full protection especially if you have children (even adults) that are in the home unvaccinated. Now I know you do not want to wear a mask indoors while having fun with family, HOWEVER, it is a small price to pay to ensure the safety of everyone.
In a nutshell, we need to get out of this pandemic, and we will not do it if we do not reduce the spread of the virus. At this point, we need to take the position of doing whatever we can to slow the spread of COVID-19. As we enter the coldest months of the year, as yourself, “will I take away from the spread of COVID-19 or add to the spread of COVID-19?”
While you are at it here’s another amazing read about http://Health and Physical Fitness Benefits’ to Elderly Adults. Check it out and get to know how you can incorporate physical fitness in your daily routine.
The Author.
Alicia Coulter, MPH, MSW is the CEO and Co-Owner of Advantage Health Now .Mrs. Coulter is a highly sought-after speaker with a passion for equity and inclusion and a heart