COVID-19 Safety Tips for the Holidays

Whether you are celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa, the holidays will look a little different because of COVID-19. While it might take a little more planning, you can still connect with loved ones and enjoy the holiday spirit!

If you plan to host or attend a holiday gathering, or travel, the CDC has provided guidance to help protect you from catching and spreading the virus during the winter holidays.

Holiday Travel

If you plan to travel during the holidays, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

• Wear a mask in public places, particularly when taking public transportation (buses, trains, ridesharing services, airplanes).
• Stay at least six feet apart from those who are not from your household.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol,
• Avoid touching your face and encountering anyone who is sick.

Hosting/Attending a Holiday Gathering  

The CDC cautions that gatherings will increase your risk of catching COVID-19. Below are precautions you can take to protect yourself and others.

• Monitor COVID-19 infection rates in localities where guests live. You can check state, local, territorial or tribal health department websites to determine if it is safe to host/attend a gathering.
• Hosting or attending an outdoor holiday gathering is much safer than an indoor gathering.
• Require all guests to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth when not eating or drinking, even outside.
• Ask attendees to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol.
• Provide guests safety guidance and precautions taken to prevent spreading the virus.
• Limit the number of attendees as much as possible.
• Provide and encourage others to bring extra face masks, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer.
• Ask attendees to bring their own food and drinks.
• If you attend an in-person holiday gathering with others not in your household, think about self-quarantining for two weeks after the gathering.

Looking for other resources?

Check out these winter holiday safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association!