timeline
Christmas takes place this year under special circumstances. Not only in advance – for example with quick tests – but also when celebrating, there are some important things to consider in order to minimize the risk of Covid infection.
24.12.2020 00.02
Online since today, 0.02 a.m.
–
–
–
Keep your distance, wear a mask and wash or disinfect your hands – these recommendations also apply under the Christmas tree. “It is these three rules plus ventilation that we have learned everywhere,” said environmental doctor Hans-Peter Hutter from the Medical University of Vienna.
Rapid tests and regular ventilation
According to the experts, a negative rapid test would create a more Christmas atmosphere on Christmas Eve, preferably on the same day. This is especially true when many people come together and things get tight. Because at a family celebration like Christmas one cannot assume that the distances can always be maintained. “If then all are negative, the probability that there is really an infectious person is very low,” said Hutter to “Vienna today”.
Regular ventilation would provide additional security. However, the window or door does not have to be open all the time. With a normal apartment size, it is enough to ventilate the room every half hour for two to three minutes, says Hutter.
Hygiene under the Christmas tree
Christmas is special this year. Many Austrians had themselves tested in advance. But there are also a few things to consider under the Christmas tree.
–
FFP2 mask for high risk groups
Another issue is the mask. If not all family members or friends celebrating have been tested in advance, Hutter recommends people from the high-risk group, i.e. people over 80, to wear an FFP2 mask during the celebrations. “I know that a lot of people say they don’t want that, how does it look. But if you don’t know who you’ve been in contact with, it might be last Christmas. “
From the point of view of the environmental medicine specialist, passionate singers under the Christmas tree would also be affected by restrictions. “If you consider how much aerosol you give off, it is 30-50 times higher than breathing and speaking quietly. So please don’t sing this Christmas Eve, ”said Hutter. So better this time: canned Christmas music if you want to reduce the risk of infection.
–
–
