With the Holidays right around the corner, families are starting to navigate the challenges of getting together for Thanksgiving, Christmas and everything in between. Let’s go though 5 key ways that you can help avoid Covid spread while spending time with loved ones. Keep in mind that anytime you gather with people you do not live with, the risk of the virus spreading increases for everyone.

Stay home if you do not feel well or are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19 (CDC: People at Increased Risk). Invited guests should stay home if they have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days or are showing COVID-19 symptoms.

Limit the amount of people in a gathering. When attending family gatherings or parties, try to keep gatherings to a maximum of 10 people.

Have events outdoors or have proper airflow. Having events outdoors immediately helps decrease the potential of spreading Covid. If you don’t have access to an outdoors facility, try to open windows to promote proper airflow though out the rooms/building.

 Wear your mask regardless of the event is indoors or outdoors. This is most important while spending time with individuals that don’t live with you.

Encourage people to bring their own food and drinks. I know this sounds like it may take away a bit of the magic of the holidays, but limiting the amount of food touched by people is a great way to help eliminate the spread.

The holiday season also is notorious for packed airports, bumper to bumper traffic, and the increasing want to see your loved ones. However, this year most families are embracing a virtual get together with families instead of flying or driving.

Having a virtual holiday experience doesn’t sound as exciting as seeing friends and family in person. Thankfully, there are some upsides to this. Think about how much traveling can cost during the holidays. Travel alone can be the biggest expense for many families during this time of year. Virtual gatherings will not only help keep your family safe, but it will also allow you to do something that is unheard of for the Holidays… SAVE MONEY!

If you do require a change of scenery this holiday season here are some things to consider

1. Are you traveling to an area with heightened COVID-19 restrictions? Many state governments have elevated their restrictions to protect their residence. This could also be an indication that the area has had a recent spike in COVID cases.
2. Will you be putting your loved ones at risk? If you have relatives with underlying conditions it might be a good decision to rethink your travel plans.
3. Are you traveling from a state with high COVID cases? Make sure you’re local government has deemed your area safe prior to making any trips.
4. What precautions are you taking to travel safely? Sticking to the CDC guidelines is the best tool you can use when traveling.

Remember to always err on the side of caution and make yourself aware of any potential changes that might be happening each day. That being said, we at Insgroup hope that everyone has a wonderful and blessed holiday season!