NEW YORK – As crowds scramble to complete last-minute holiday shopping or put the finishing touches on their holiday plans, both delta and the highly contagious variant Omicron have many wondering if they should cancel their holiday plans.
During Mayor Bill de Blasio’s coronavirus press conference on Monday, New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi shared tips on how to safely enjoy these times, reassuring the public that The latest explosive spread of COVID-19 doesn’t necessarily mean Christmas plans ruined as there are ways to enjoy the holidays safely.
“I know how many people have been looking forward to the holidays, but Ómicron has changed the landscape and caused anxiety and confusion,” he said. “This is my best advice on how to navigate the next few days and weeks.”
Plan your vacation around your most vulnerable family member or friend
First, Chokshi advises everyone to plan their Christmas celebrations around their most vulnerable family member, friend, or guest.
“That can mean hosting a virtual meeting or moving outdoor activities, or wearing masks, same-day testing and distancing,” he said.
Chokshi further cautions older adults and others at higher risk not to participate in activities, especially in large crowds, at least for the next several weeks.
“For my own family, we made some adjustments to vacation plans around my young daughter, who is not yet eligible for vaccination. We decided to postpone some trips out of town until sometime in the new year, although we will still find ways. to spend time with the family, both locally and virtually, “he said.
Masks, social distancing and other ongoing ‘common sense’ precautions
According to Chokshi, “Common sense precautions can help us reduce risk and still enjoy the Christmas holidays more safely.”
What are some common sense precautions? These include: outdoor meetings; improve the ventilation of a room by opening windows and doors; and limit meetings to only those who are fully vaccinated.
Chokshi said that all these precautions “help reduce risks.”
Plus, he suggests testing, wearing high-quality masks, social distancing, and getting a booster dose for even more layers of safety.
