(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – This holiday season comes with a lot of worry and stress as families try to find ways to balance their desire to celebrate together with the risk of spreading COVID-19. While cases of the virus remain high, colder weather across the country is forcing gatherings indoors, where the virus can more easily spread. A new national survey by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds that although the vast majority of Americans plan to put precautions in place at holiday gatherings, such as social distancing and asking those with COVID symptoms not to attend, many will also be putting themselves at risk.Nearly two in five report they will likely attend a gathering with either more than 10 people or people from outside their household. A third of respondents will not ask guests to wear masks.
“We’re going to look back at what happened during this holiday season and ask ourselves, ‘Were we part of the solution or were we part of the problem?’” said Dr. Iahn Gonsenhauser, chief quality and patient safety officer at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “When you’re gathered together around the table, engaged in conversation, sitting less than 6 feet apart with your masks down, even in a small group, that’s when the spread of this virus can really happen.”
Gonsenhauser says the safest solution is the one that people don’t want to hear: find ways to communicate virtually and cancel in-person plans. However, if you do decide to have guests, it’s important to have a plan in place and to communicate that plan to everyone attending. Consider separating seating arrangements by household and, if you plan to travel or welcome out-of-town guests, stay informed about the COVID-19 rates and restrictions in both locations.
“If you have somebody in your household who’s high risk and you’re in a low incidence area, you’re going to want to think twice about having a celebration where people are coming from an area where there’s a lot of virus in the community,” Gonsenhauser said.
While celebrations will certainly look different this year, Gonsenhauser says it can also be an opportunity to make treasured memories with loved ones and experiment with new traditions. Try a virtual dinner or gift exchange or drop off surprise treats on friends’ and family members’ door steps.
