The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced the emergence of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the variant is likely to spread more easily than the original virus. Therefore, it is important for people to exercise safety and caution, especially while traveling and gathering during the holiday season.
If you plan on traveling or socializing, it is important to follow these safety guidelines provided by the CDC to protect your health and the health of others:
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can.
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
- Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
- Test to prevent spread to others (Getting tested can give you information about your risk of spreading COVID-19).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
- Do not travel if you have been exposed to COVID-19, you are sick, or if you test positive for COVID-19.
The CDC is also recommending that you delay travel if you have not been fully vaccinated. Other travel and socialization recommendations include keeping gatherings small and consider staying at a hotel if you are visiting loved ones out of town.
Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to reduce the spread of the virus and minimize the severity of the disease.
It is important to keep in mind that you are considered vaccinated two weeks after receiving your second shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or two weeks after a single dose of getting Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. If you do not meet these requirements, you must continue to take the same precautions as those who are unvaccinated.
By following these recommendations, we can stop the spread of the virus, protect our health, and safely enjoy the holidays.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.