Topline
Dr. Anthony Fauci stated Sunday that Americans should not hesitate to spend the holidays with their families during the Covid-19 pandemic. This was in addition to earlier comments that he made that raised more doubts about whether it is safe for people to gather together.
Dr. Anthony Fauci is a witness before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on... [+] July 20, 2012. Getty Images
The Key Facts
Fauci stated on ABC's This Week that he believes Americans can enjoy holidays. He said that vaccinating their children will reduce the risk of getting Covid-19 infection in the community. It is important to get vaccinated. Getting the shot reduces community Covid-19 transmission and protects the individual and their families. Fauci stated that if Covid-19 spread is lower in the community, there's no reason why people shouldn't be able to enjoy the holidays together.
Big Number
23% According to the New York Times' public health data, this is the decline in Covid-19 cases in the U.S. over the past two week. This is because the country has started to recover from the widespread spread of the highly infectious delta variant. Despite the fact that cases are still high in certain states, Montana and Alaska have the highest numbers of Covid-19 cases per capita, the cases in those states are decreasing or flattening.
Surprising Fact
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), published guidance in October urging people not to celebrate the holidays indoors. This included recommending that they choose outdoor or virtual celebrations instead of indoor ones. Although the guidance has been updated by the CDC, the latest CDC advice was updated on Friday. It states that the best way to reduce Covid-19 risk is for everyone to be vaccinated if they are eligible. While the current CDC guidance suggests safer ways to gather, such as wearing masks, avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated areas, and not hosting or attending gatherings if you have Covid-19 symptoms. However, it does not go as far in dissuading people indoors as its earlier guidance.
Important Background
Fauci was criticised earlier in October for his cautious approach to holiday celebrations. He stated on CBS that it was too early to know if families can gather safely for Christmas. Fauci stated that we need to focus on reducing the number of people who are unable to travel safely for Christmas. We shouldn't try to rush ahead by weeks, months or say what we will do at a specific time. On CNN, Fauci later clarified that his remarks were not meant to be interpreted as saying that people can't spend Christmas with their families.
What we don't know
It is not clear whether people will follow Fauci's advice and have a family gathering, especially if their family members are vaccinated. Harris conducted a September poll and found that 50% of respondents who were vaccinated were very or significantly hesitant about spending the holidays with their unvaccinated friends and family. 54% of respondents also said that vaccination status would play a role in holiday travel plans and gatherings.
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Holiday Celebrations (CDC).
Here's What The CDC Believes You Should Do This Holiday Season (Forbes).
According to polls by Forbes, half of vaccinated Americans might not spend the holidays with unvaccinated family and friends.
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