How do you prepare for a COVID-free holiday? Are you still wearing facemasks? Do you still sanitize surfaces or yourself every so often?
People are aware of but are intentionally skipping these steps because of something called Pandemic Fatigue. Pandemic fatigue is the culmination of experiences, emotions, and perceptions collected during the pandemic.
It has been 3 years since the novel human coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, China. Going on to our fourth, people have gotten used to the safety restrictions imposed by the government. However, this does not mean compliance. Due to over-familiarization, people are more relaxed in following these guidelines.
Basic COVID Safety Practices
Despite Pandemic Fatigue and decreased fatalities, it is important to follow the prescribed protocols to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 such as:
- Choose open, well-ventilated spaces over closed areas when going out. At home, ensure proper ventilation to help reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants indoors.
- Keep up to date with vaccination and boosters. If you have not yet taken your vaccine or booster, check where the nearest vaccination site is and schedule an appointment.
- Observe proper social distancing (at least 1 meter) whenever possible.
- Regularly wash your hands with the use of soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Upon exposure, wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5.
- Wear a face mask, procedure or surgical facemasks, or respirators like the KN95, in public. This applies especially indoors or when physical distancing is not possible.
But with the new Omicron subvariant BA.5, the virus has become easier to transmit than ever.
Tips for a COVID-Free Holiday
Do Your Christmas Shopping Early
Shopping for gifts and materials early will save you from the crowds, thus lessening the potential for exposure. This will also ensure you have plenty of stock to choose from. Additionally, you will get the chance to disinfect your gifts before giving them, thus making sure your gifts are safe for the recipients. A safer option is to order your gifts online and have them delivered at your doorstep.
Keep Your Gatherings Intimate
From reunions to Christmas parties, social activities will take up most of the holiday schedule. Should you be in charge of organizing the event, keep your guest list small. Make your event more intimate and lessen exposure to different people. In addition to this, make sure that safety protocols are still being followed.
Serve Quality Food
People say the food you serve guests will speak about you as a host. Whether you order take-out food or cook at home, serving certain types of food will help your guests follow their nutritional requirements. There are numerous easy-to-make recipes online that you can follow that are cheap, healthy, and delicious while looking sophisticated enough to satisfy the proud host in you.
Gather Outside or Increase Airflow in Your Event Space
Proper ventilation decreases the concentration of airborne contaminants in the atmosphere. This will help provide a safer environment for you and your guests while making sure that they are comfortable. This can be achieved by opening doors and windows or running HVAC systems and high-quality air filters.
These are just additional steps in making sure you have a COVID-free holiday. These are not mandatory but doing these shows that you care not only for yourself but for your friends and family as well. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
It always pays to be informed.
If you want to learn more tips for ensuring a COVID-free holiday, Medgate’s team of medical experts is only a ring away, even on holidays!
Make your teleconsultations easier through video calls! Now available on the Medgate app. Download yours today Make your teleconsultations easier by chatting with us on Facebook Messenger or call us through the following numbers:
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Available 24/7 and on holiday, ready to give the gift that comforts.