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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFor those determined to host family gatherings during the holidays, it\u2019s important to understand the risks involved. Only then can you take the necessary precautions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We have all sacrificed so much during 2020, but we can finally see a chink of light at the end of the tunnel. A vaccine is on its way, and that\u2019s fantastic news; however, over this holiday season, we must remain vigilant. To help minimize the risk of exposure and spread, here are some tips for celebrating the holidays this season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minimize Large, Social Gatherings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
According to survey results, 42% of Canadians plan on attending a social gathering with no more than six people in attendance, while 56% of Canadians are either “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to attend a social gathering with more than seven people this holiday season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While 53% of respondents shared that this number was either slightly or significantly fewer than the number of attendees in previous years, 35% reported plans for attending social gatherings with either slightly or many more people in attendance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the U.S.-based Center for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>, big year-end holiday celebrations are \u201chigh-risk activities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even before entering the holiday season, COVID-19 cases<\/a> were starting to spike as more people travelled and gathered for American Thanksgiving. The same pattern emerged in Canada, with a spike in reported infections shortly after Canadian Thanksgiving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since adding just one person from another household can dramatically increase the risk of spread, most provincial jurisdictions have now banned gatherings with anyone outside your immediate household members, with a few exceptions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Research published by the University of California San Francisco<\/a> reveals that hundreds of tiny droplets are dispersed into the air when someone utters a simple phrase. But when a damp washcloth is used as a barrier over the mouth, nearly all of the droplets are blocked. Another study revealed that people with the flu or a cold who wear masks while symptomatic are significantly less contagious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Research published in Health Affairs<\/a> involved tracking the COVID-19 growth rate before and after mask mandates in 15 states. Five days after lawmakers approved the mandates, the growth rate slowed by 0.9%. Three weeks after mask-wearing was made mandatory, the daily rate of growth had slowed by 2%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet, only 34% of Canadians who plan to host a holiday celebration will provide masks for their guests. Instead, the majority of holiday hosts plan on asking attendees to bring their own masks \u2014 with 66% of Canadians intending to ask guests to wear a mask. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While guests will need to take off their masks to eat and drink, it’s best to ask everyone to wear a mask at all other times, particularly if sharing space indoors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another important weapon in the fight against COVID-19 during the holidays is good hygiene. According to a 2008 study<\/a>, we can cut the spread of respiratory infections by more than 20% if we all wash our hands regularly. Good handwashing practice includes using soap and leaving it on for at least 30 seconds while washing between fingers as well as halfway up the arm. (In other words, scrub like a surgeon.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another good strategy is to set up holiday celebrations to maximize space and minimize contact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember: <\/a><\/strong>CDC guidelines<\/a> recommend staying at least six feet apart from other people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To achieve this, holiday hosts can set up their in-home celebrations using the following options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t cram everyone into a small room where social distancing is impossible. Choose the largest room, and open some windows to increase ventilation. If you can, celebrate the holidays outside \u2014 a gazebo in your yard is perfect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most effective way to stay safe while celebrating the holidays during the COVID-19 epidemic is to socially distance at all times. Now is the time to assess your home to ensure social distancing is possible. How many people are you expecting? Do you have a room in your home that\u2019s large enough to safely accommodate everyone? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Can you knock out a wall to combine two rooms into one spacious entertaining area? This might only cost a few hundred or a few thousand dollars, but it could help increase the value of your home in the long-run, and keep your loved ones safe in the short-term. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Screening for COVID-19 before beginning your holiday celebration may be an uncomfortable but critical conversation to have this year \u2014 and many Canadians realize this fact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the survey, 57% of Canadians said they were “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to “pre-screen attendees” prior to their holiday celebration; 60% reported they would ask guests to limit their own activities and outings up to two weeks before the planned holiday gathering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To help minimize potential spread, some parents are choosing to pull their children from school early. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWear a Mask<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Practise Safe Hygiene<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gather in Large Spaces<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Complete Minor Renovations on Your Home<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Set Up Screening Protocols<\/h2>\n\n\n\n