Trick, Treat, and Travel Tips for Safe Holidays

Oct. 29, 2021 — We’re in a greater place this 12 months for having fun with the vacations safely in comparison with a 12 months in the past. Trick-or-treating is a go this weekend, worldwide family and friends can go to the U.S. once more staring Nov. 8, and the widespread adoption of COVID-19 precautions and protections, particularly vaccines, will increase the probability for protected gatherings, mentioned Henry Wu, MD.

“I can not imagine it has been a 12 months since I final talked about this. Even extra, I’m actually amazed at how significantly better form we’re in proper now,” Wu mentioned throughout a Thursday media briefing sponsored by the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. “We’ve discovered a lot prior to now 12 months about COVID-19 and the way it spreads.”

“I do see a visual path in the direction of a protected vacation [season], one which we will get pleasure from whereas minimizing the dangers of COVID-19 to ourselves and our households,” mentioned Wu, director of the Emory TravelWell Center.

Release the Ghosts and Goblins

In phrases of excellent information for Halloween 2021, contaminated surfaces are much less of a priority for coronavirus transmission now than they had been early within the pandemic.

“So I would not fear a lot concerning the treats your youngsters get. Just be sure that their fingers are clear,” Wu mentioned.

The similar hand hygiene goes for individuals handing out treats to trick-or-treaters, too.

Another constructive issue is that trick-or-treating is a just about an out of doors occasion. And outside occasions that aren’t packed or crowded are typically safer than different sorts of get-togethers, Wu mentioned.

“Going door to door for trick-or-treating is definitely a protected exercise,” he mentioned.

In bulletins earlier this month, each Anthony Fauci, MD, and Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, agreed. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, acknowledged that trick-or-treating is protected this Halloween.

The CDC not too long ago up to date its tips for safer holidays throughout COVID-19 on Oct. 15, and on Oct. 25, Walensky inspired youngsters to placed on their costumes, keep outdoors, and revel in trick-or-treating this 12 months.

Also, for individuals handing out sweet, take into account protecting measures. For instance, Wu mentioned, “you’ll be able to reassure your trick-or-treaters by carrying masks that you’ve their security in thoughts.”

Some probably riskier traditions should wait. For instance, “hygiene is certainly vital. Of course, I’m unsure how many individuals nonetheless bob for apples, however I believe even earlier than the pandemic, I might not have been too fast to take part in that.”

Layer Up Clothes and Protections

Keep the fundamentals in thoughts to restrict publicity to coronavirus, and the extra protections, the merrier.

“Remember, you’ll be able to increase your protections utilizing all the essential preventive measures that we’re all acquainted with, like masking when in high-risk conditions and avoiding crowded indoor areas,” Wu mentioned.

“Just like layering up our garments in chilly climate, you’ll be able to layer up your protections towards COVID.”

Also, as a result of breakthrough infections are potential among the many vaccinated, take into account masking if a buddy or member of the family is immunocompromised or has the next threat situation, Wu mentioned. As an added precaution, everybody getting collectively can comply with get examined beforehand.

“I actually do assume it is vital to see your loved ones, notably the frail ones who haven’t been capable of get out,” Wu added. “So I might simply encourage people to get pleasure from themselves, however to make the most of as many layers as they will.”

Travel Tips

If you might be planning to journey for the vacations, Wu beneficial getting vaccinated if you’re eligible. Also, analysis the COVID-19 necessities at residence and the place you’re going upfront.

“Note that if you’re an unvaccinated, you have to to get examined earlier than and after your journey,” Wu mentioned.

Testing can be required for American vacationers returning to the U.S., vaccinated or not.

Also, beginning Nov. 8, the U.S. authorities plans to permit worldwide guests to enter the nation if they’re vaccinated.

“This is an thrilling time as a result of so many people have household and associates who’ve been unable to go to us,” Wu mentioned. “Let’s be good hosts and let’s welcome our guests by getting vaccinated.”

Thankful for Vaccines

And talking of being a very good host, if you’re planning a vacation occasion or get-together, “plan your occasions in order that they’re protected after which individuals can get pleasure from themselves comfortably,” Wu mentioned.

If you might be having a celebration, maintain your numbers decrease or maintain it outdoors, for instance.

Again, it’s best to be vaccinated when you’re planning a household get-together for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or one other vacation within the coming months.

“Remember, the extra households which are collectively … will increase the possibilities that somebody is unwell,” Wu mentioned.

Reduce that threat by getting vaccinated and inspiring family and friends to do the identical, he added.

Reasons for Optimism

When requested if potential FDA approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in youngsters 5 to 11 years previous might make a distinction this vacation season, Wu replied, “Well, definitely the extra individuals which are vaccinated, the safer it will likely be. And we definitely do know youngsters can get COVID-19 they usually can unfold it.”

“I encourage people to observe the information and discuss to their physicians when these vaccines are accredited to see if it is smart to have your loved ones vaccinated,” he mentioned.

Overall, though there are causes to rejoice this vacation season, the pandemic will not be over but. “Remember, we’re not but at a degree the place we will do every little thing like we used to do earlier than the pandemic. So let’s not make the error of letting our guard down too quickly,” Wu mentioned.

“On the opposite hand, we actually do have instruments to manage the pandemic, and safely achieve this a lot that we missed out on final 12 months.”