A Safer Holiday Season

The holiday season is a joyous time for family and festivities, but this year we’re still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that you can still enjoy your long-standing traditions and family gatherings while protecting your health. Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) share some safer ways to celebrate the holidays:

• Get vaccinated. The best way to minimize your risk of getting COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Vaccination helps protect both you and those who are not yet eligible for the vaccine, such as young children. Find more information about vaccination here.
• Mask up. If you are not fully vaccinated, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings.
• Get tested. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or come in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, get tested.
• Minimize spread. If you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19 or other contagious illnesses, don’t host or attend a gathering.
• Travel smarter.
  • CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.
  • Check your destination’s current COVID-19 situation, and note your destination’s mask-wearing, proof of vaccination, testing and/or quarantine requirements.
  • Do not travel if you have been exposed to COVID-19, you are sick or you test positive for COVID-19.

If you have questions about the COVID-19 situation in our area, vaccinations, telehealth opportunities or other COVID-related topics, please visit CovenantHealth.com/Coronavirus.