This article was written by Claire Xu of Richard Montgomery High School
The holidays are fast approaching. 2020 is finally coming to an end, after nine long months spent in quarantine. It has almost been a full year since the coronavirus first appeared and shook the world. As of mid-December, the first COVID vaccines have been distributed and many others are in testing. With these vaccines, the amount of new COVID cases will likely decrease and those that have already been infected will have a chance to get better. Things are looking up for the new year.
In the meantime, it is important to stay safe during the holidays. Americans are longing to be able to reunite with their families and relatives in person, but the pandemic is not yet over. Even if there is a vaccine, it is vital to stay diligent and continue following the COVID guidelines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently shared some considerations to take into account about holiday gatherings. “Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household (who are consistently taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19) poses the lowest risk for spread,” the CDC says.
Governor Larry Hogan has issued a public health advisory warning Marylanders against non-essential activities and holiday gatherings with people outside of one’s quarantine bubble. He advises against having public or private gatherings with more than ten people in one space.
But if you feel that it is necessary to meet up in person during the holidays, then you must take the necessary precautions. Keep in mind that outdoor gatherings are more favorable than indoor ones and pose less risk, and consider the number of attendees. Whether attendees are able to stay six feet apart, wear face masks, regularly wash their hands and follow their state or county’s regulations or not is a key part of planning a gathering during coronavirus.
Additionally, if anyone in your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19, has symptoms of COVID-19, may have been exposed to coronavirus in the past 14 days, or is at high risk (i.e. older adults, people with medical conditions that put them at risk of severe illness from COVID), they should not attend any in-person gatherings.
If you are considering travelling over the holidays, keep in mind the following: case growths and available hospital beds in your destination or community, the travel restrictions set by either your home or destination, and if your method of travel may make staying six feet apart from people not from your household difficult. Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order requiring Marylanders to limit all travel to essential purposes only, and those who do travel outside of Maryland or those who travel to Maryland will be required to either obtain a negative COVID test result or self-quarantine for ten days. This applies to all states, with the exception of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC.
The safest thing to do right now is to stay home and not meet with others or travel, but if you decide to do otherwise, be responsible for the health and safety of you and your community. Just because the circumstances this year are less than desirable, it does not mean that you cannot spend a fun winter break with your loved ones. Make the most out of this situation!
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