CDC: Stay home for the holidays

This holiday season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants Americans to stay safe and protect themselves from contracting or spreading the coronavirus —namely by staying home for the holidays.

The agency urges people to modify their plans in an effort to reduce the virus’ spread.

The safest way to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the New Year is to do so at home only with the people who live in your household, according to the CDC. Gatherings of family or friends from different households, including college students returning home, increase the risk of spreading covid-19.

But for those planning to host or attend gatherings, here are some considerations the CDC offers to supplement state and local regulations:

Fresh air

Outdoor gatherings pose less risk than those indoors, especially small spaces with poor ventilation. If indoors, open windows or keep air and heating on continuous circulation.

Size matters

Limit the number of people at the gathering in an effort to keep attendees from different households at least 6 feet apart. Wear masks when not eating or drinking. Routinely wash hands and use hand sanitizer.

Time limit

The longer the holiday celebration goes, the riskier it is. Being within 6 feet of someone with covid-19 for 15 minutes or more cumulatively increases the risk of becoming infected and requires a 14-day quarantine.

Pipe down

Watch those Christmas carols — no singing or shouting, especially indoors. Music should be kept low so guests don’t have to speak loudly to be heard.

B.Y.O.

Avoid potluck-style celebrations, especially those with shared surfaces and utensils. Encourage people or households to bring food and drink for themselves and not to share. Or have one person who wears a mask and gloves to serve all food, drinks, salad dressing, condiments, etc., to keep multiple people from handling items.

Bah humbug

The guest list should not include anyone who:

• Has covid-19.

• Has symptoms of covid-19

• Is awaiting test results.

• Has been in contact with someone with covid-19 in the last 14 days.

• Is at an increased risk of severe illness from covid-19.

For a complete list of holiday gather recommendations, visit cdc.gov.