Holiday tips for preventing the spread of COVID-19
During the holiday season as we gather with friends and family, please consider these tips from CDC and CDPH for celebrating safely and preventing the spread of COVID-19:
- Get vaccinated. It's the best way to protect yourself and others.
- Keep gatherings small. Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
- Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth in indoor public settings:
- If you are not fully vaccinated.
- If you are in an area with substantial to high transmission rates.
- When you might be around unvaccinated people, especially indoors.
- When around those who are at higher risk, such as older persons or people with medical conditions
- Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms – don't expose others.
- Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms or close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
- Check local conditions. Some counties may have stricter guidance than the state. Take extra precautions when local levels of virus transmission are high.
If you are traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC's Travel page to learn about guidelines and requirements. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.
- If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC's domestic travel or internationaltravel recommendations for unvaccinated people.
- If you will be traveling in a group or family with unvaccinated people, choose safer travel options.
- Everyone, even people who are fully vaccinated, is required to wear a mask on public transportation and follow international travel recommendations.
Whether you are traveling or staying close to home, plan ahead for the possibility that you may develop symptoms or be exposed to someone who has COVID-19. This could delay your return to work if you have to isolate or quarantine. Know how to find testing in your area if you need it. If you do contract COVID, be sure to follow ANR's Reporting Protocol so we can determine if other reporting is required and manage your return to work.
New COVID-19 variant
You may have heard reports of a new COVID-19 “variant of concern,” designated “Omicron” by the World Health Organization. Public health organizations are studying this variant to determine if Omicron has different transmission or disease characteristics, or impacts effectiveness of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics or public health measures. At this time, there have been no changes in general guidance or measures to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 infection.
Giving thanks
I continue to reflect on the amazing work that all of you have done in incredibly challenging conditions for nearly two years. I'm filled with gratitude for your efforts and tenacity. I'm also excited about the new opportunities we have with increased state support. This is a transformational time for our organization! I know filling the new positions is requiring a great deal of extra work, especially for Human Resources, and I am grateful to everyone who is involved in bringing in these critical team members.
Glenda Humiston
Vice President