Our year-end holidays are well under way. Protecting your family, friends, and community should be at the top of your list this season. As we await a vaccine, the Illinois Department of Public Health has various recommendations to keep you safe.
Planning holiday travel? Among their recommendations, “Carry a small personal sanitizing kit that contains hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and extra masks. Always wear a mask in public, wash your hands frequently, and practice social distancing when around others not from your household. Be aware of the risk level of your destination.”
Hosting overnight guests? IDPH says, “Consider the health of those in your home and those visiting, including older adults and individuals with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness. Identify a room where an individual can isolate should they develop symptoms or test positive while visiting. Make sure everyone understands the importance of wearing a mask and social distancing.”
While we’re out holiday shopping, IDPH offers the following guidelines: Consider alternative ways to purchase gifts other than visiting stores in person, where possible. Stay home if you have tested positive or have symptoms of COVID-19, which can include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms.
When serving your holiday meals, there are several guidelines to follow, among them: limit the number of people for which social distancing is possible before, during, and after the meal; encourage guests to wear a mask except to eat and to drink. Have an extra supply of masks, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol, and tissues on hand. Also, encourage guests to bring food and drinks for themselves and for members of their own household only.
Check out their full list of recommendations for the holidays here.