The COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t take a break during the holiday season.
Last year saw the worst increase in cases in the country after year-end celebrations when a high of more than 250,000 per day was reported on January 11, according to CNBC. Reported deaths also peaked in early 2021 of about 3,400 per day.
With this in mind, New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi shared on Wednesday a series of steps New Yorkers can take to be safer and reduce the risk of infection during the Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you and Hanukkah, a time when millions of travelers are expected to go on vacation, many of whom will be leaving the city for the first time in two years, mostly thanks to COVID-19 vaccines.
“On the eve of Thanksgiving I am grateful for so much – the opportunity to reconnect with my loved ones and the opportunity to do so in a safer and healthier way compared to this time last year,” Chokshi said.
“We have made progress against COVID-19 with more than 76% of all New Yorkers receiving at least one dose of vaccine. This is great progress and it is because so many New Yorkers have struggled to do the right thing. Let’s keep it up for years. the holidays”.
Here’s what Dr. Chokshi recommends:
Every activity is safer if you are fully vaccinated
“Every activity is safer if you are fully vaccinated,” Chokshi said, adding that “people can feel comfortable congregating in small gatherings when everyone is vaccinated.”
COVID-19 testing plays an important role and is an ‘additional layer of security’
Despite widely accessible vaccines and their recently approved booster doses, concerns of a spike in winter cases are causing health officials to sound the first alarm bells for Americans. Virus testing remains a key asset in the fight to slow the spread of COVID-19. Airports in the tri-state area, among other major transit hubs, have free rapid tests available to travelers.
According to Chokshi, tests before and after meetings or trips add one more layer of security.
With tests widely available in New York City, about 70% of test results in the city are obtained in one day, with rapid test locations being another option, the Health Commissioner said.
Also, “testing and other precautions become more important if you are with a combination of vaccinated and unvaccinated friends or family,” he said.
Those interested can visit www.nyc.gov/covidtest for more information.
Plan around the most vulnerable member of your group
“My practical advice is to plan around the most vulnerable member of your group, be it an elderly person or someone with a weakened immune system,” shared Chokshi. “Getting together virtually or wearing face masks and distancing themselves can help protect them. My own family is planning to have one of our outdoor gatherings this weekend because we will have family members spanning three generations, including some children who are not vaccinated because they are under the age of 5 years”.
‘Every day is a good day to get vaccinated’
I have been asked if vaccination helps during an occasion that is only a few days away. My answer is, ‘Every day is a good day to get vaccinated,’ Chokshi said, adding that she also recommends that everyone over the age of 18 receive a booster when it is time to do so.
The Health Commissioner went on to say that vaccines begin to build immunity, although it is gradual.
To find a vaccination center near you, visit www.nyc.gov/vaccinefinder.
Stay home if you feel sick
Chokshi recommends not meeting or traveling, even if you made plans, if you feel ill.
“If you’re feeling fine and planning to travel, keep your face covered and wash your hands often,” he said.
Travel? Make sure you know the COVID-19 transmission figures for your destination
If you are traveling, make sure you know what the transmission of COVID-19 is like in your destination and plan accordingly, advises the Health Commissioner.
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