Plan to Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season

DEM Blogger

December 21, 2020

Winter holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s will have to be different this year to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is essential to avoid activities that pose or present a higher risk for spread.

This holiday season, modify your holiday plans to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to keep your family, friends, families, and communities healthy and safe. Traditionally, winter holidays are times when many families travel long distances to celebrate together.  Unfortunately, travel increases the chance of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. If you must travel, be informed of the risks involved.

As cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to increase across the United States, the safest way to celebrate the winter holidays is to celebrate at home with the people you live with. Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you should be avoided, as they can increase the risks of getting and spreading COVID-19.

Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household (who are consistently taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19) poses the lowest risk for spread. People who do not currently live in your housing unit, such as college students who are returning home from school for the holidays, are considered part of different households. In-person gatherings that bring together family members or friends from different households, including college students returning home, pose higher levels of risk.

Read the complete holiday celebration and travel guidance from the Kentucky Department of Public Health.