Many of us look forward to seeing our families during the holidays. While this year’s holidays will be a much-needed jolt of happiness, there are also more complications surrounding family gatherings than ever due to the coronavirus.

So, if you have been a little wary of spending time with a big group of family, you’re not alone.

Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah walks you through how you can do your best to stay safe and sanitary this holiday season.

Should I Spend Time With My Family at Christmas?

You definitely should! Spending time with family and friends, as we said earlier, can be a much-needed boost. What we do recommend, however, is modifying how you gather with your family and friends.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 epidemic is not going away, and small household gatherings are a known contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases. Consider the suggestions below alongside limiting the number of people you are around and keeping a social distance if you are around friends and family that don’t live in your immediate household.

Ways to Keep Safe During the Holidays

• Check the COVID-19 infection rates of the place you’ll be attending.
• Consider an outdoor gathering instead of an indoor gathering.
• Avoid holding gatherings in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces with persons who are not in your household.
• Increase ventilation by opening doors and windows or place the AC on continuous circulation.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Wear a mask unless eating or drinking while spending time with those outside your immediate household.

What If I’m Hosting a Gathering?

The same kinds of ways to stay safe that we mentioned above apply to you as well. If you are hosting an event, check the COVID-19 rates of where your attendees are located. If the rates are high, be more vigilant in having the gathering outside or in a well-ventilated area.

In addition, strongly suggest that your attendees wear masks, social distance when possible and wash their hands frequently. Hopefully, this is the only holiday season where we have to be overly careful, but the more careful we are now, the less careful we will have to be in the future.

Common Ways to Stay Sanitary

• Mask up in public.
• Stay six feet apart from others.
• Use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid large gatherings.

AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah wants you to enjoy this year, but we also want you to stay safe! Visit us if you are in need of medical care.