Topline
Late Saturday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance. It includes best practices for safe holiday celebrations. They encourage outdoor and virtual events to be held over indoor celebrations. However, Covid-19 and its highly infectious variant delta remain a threat.
The CDC encourages Americans celebrate holidays online or outside if possible. getty
The Key Facts
According to the CDC, virtual celebrations are safer than having people gather outside or with only a few people. If you do choose to celebrate in person, the CDC recommends that everyone get vaccinated if it is possible. It also suggests that people have discussions with their friends and family to discuss expectations. The CDC recommends that people follow the guidance regarding mask wearing. This includes advising those who aren't vaccinated not to wear masks in public areas and to wearing them outdoors in crowded settings. Fully vaccinated persons should also avoid masking in areas where there is high Covid-19 transmission. For better ventilation, people gathering indoors should open their windows and doors. The CDC recommends that people with a limited amount of Covid-19 transmission be vaccinated. All travelers, even fully vaccinated, will need to wear masks when traveling on public transport, according to the agency.
Important Background
Although the number of Covid-19 cases in the United States is still high, despite the fact that the highly transmissible Delta variant vaccine has seen a surge, nationwide cases are currently declining. After last year's holiday season, which saw a spike in Covid-19 cases in January, the CDC issued a warning. However, vaccines were not widely available at that time. The Covid-19 vaccines are still highly effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization, as well as death. However, the new rollout booster shots will likely increase protection. Studies have shown that vaccines with the delta variant of the virus have a decreased effectiveness in preventing infection. People who are not vaccinated face a greater risk of severe illness and infection than those who have been vaccinated.
Tangent
Harris poll finds that 54% of fully-vaccinated respondents plan to consider vaccination status when planning their holiday plans for the year. Half of those polled also said they are reluctant to invite unvaccinated friends and family to holiday gatherings. Covid-19 could also impact holiday shopping season as 66% of fully-vaccinated respondents stated they would be uncomfortable at major sales events such as Black Friday.
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Holiday Celebrations (CDC).
According to polls by Forbes, half of vaccinated Americans might not spend the holidays with unvaccinated family and friends.
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