CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS SAFELY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Holiday traditions are important for families and children.

That’s why to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, the Georgia Department of Public Health urges all Georgians to plan ahead and take steps to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and the flu as they celebrate.

The COVID vaccine has helped make celebrating upcoming holidays together with family and friends possible again.

And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend several ways to enjoy holiday traditions while protecting your health.

• The best protection against COVID and the flu is vaccination, and the vaccines can be administered at the same time.

• For young children who aren’t yet eligible for the COVID vaccine, reduce the risk of exposure by making sure the people around them are vaccinated.

• Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.

• Outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities.

• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

• If you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu, don’t host or attend a gathering.

• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

• If you are not fully vaccinated for COVID and must travel, follow the CDC’s recommendations.

• Everyone, even people who are fully vaccinated for COVID, is required to wear a mask on public transportation and follow international travel recommendations.

District II Public Health says 51% of Georgians are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 which means every crowd is a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and the risk of COVID transmission exists, especially the delta variant which is more contagious and can cause more severe illness than other variants.

The Department of Public Health is closely monitoring COVID case increases in Europe and parts of the United States. Additionally, surveillance in Georgia indicates flu activity is increasing in some areas.