Lower Your COVID-19 Risk This Holiday Season

Before you start making holiday plans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is out with new guidelines for gathering with friends and family. Learn how to safely plan your holiday gatherings and protect those you care about by checking your local laws and CDC recommendations. Being careful now will help you enjoy more holidays together in the future.

For the safest celebration, hold a small gathering with only the people who live in your home. You can also prepare and deliver (contact-free) traditional foods for other family and friends. Then share the meal virtually, using a video connection.

If you do host or attend a larger gathering, follow these tips to lower risk:

Avoid hosting or joining any in-person gatherings if you or anyone in your home:

• Has COVID-19 symptoms, or
• Has been diagnosed or exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or
• Is waiting for COVID-19 viral testresults

If you’re at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or live or work with someone with an increased risk of severe illness, you should also avoid in-person gatherings with those outside your home.

For more tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones this holiday season: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/web/myhealthevet/ss20201102-holiday-dinner