Catch the Holiday Spirit, Not COVID
October 20, 2021 9:24 AM
by Lindsay B. Call
The air has turned crisp and the winds are howling, suggesting that fall is upon us and the holidays are fast-approaching. With the support of our community, we are hoping to face a different holiday season than the last. With at least 87% of Santa Monicans vaccinated against COVID-19 and having far more information about the disease, we’re well prepared to implement what works this holiday season to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy.
Holiday Gatherings
Hosting a holiday gathering last year likely caused as much stress as a visit from your in-laws! From weekend sports watch parties to formal holiday meals, use the tried and tested rules below to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Use a VIP (Vaccinated Individuals, Please) guest list. When hosting or attending an event, ask about people’s vaccination status and recent risks.
- Boost up if eligible. If you are over 65 years old or in a high-risk group and are eligible, consider getting your booster shot before the holidays for an extra dose of protection. Check booster eligibility here.
- Stay home when you or a household member is sick. Even if you think it’s a small cold or bad allergy day, skip the party. If you or a household member has COVID-19 symptoms, get a test and stay home until you receive a negative test result and feel better. Make an appointment at a COVID-19 testing site near you, including the new Clover Park location.
- Keep gatherings outdoors. If bad weather ruins your outdoor plans, keep the group small, vaccinated, and open doors and windows to improve air flow.
- When in doubt, mask up. When you must gather indoors with others and aren’t sure about everyone’s vaccination status, wear a face mask.
- Be prepared for large events. For mega event indoor and outdoor gatherings, remember that you are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test and photo identification. Learn more.
- Use extra care if immunocompromised. People who have weakened immune systems are still at risk of contracting the Delta variant, even if fully vaccinated. It’s best for these individuals to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask, unless told otherwise by their health provider.
Catch the Holiday Spirit, Not COVID-19
Hosting a holiday shindig? Here are simple tips for reducing the risk to you and others.
- Serve meals, head to a restaurant or use pre-packaged meals instead of a self-serve buffet. Make sure servers wearing masks, indoors and outdoors. Have the eating area outdoors.
- If hosting a larger event, use smaller tables spaced apart to reduce the amount of mixing between households.
- When attending or hosting events with children, understand that not all kids are fully vaccinated. Wear a mask and keep your distance to protect kiddos from getting sick and spreading disease to others.
- If your event involves carolers or singing performers, require vaccination. Make sure at least 10 ft. distance is between performers and unmasked persons. Encourage face masks be worn by those singing.
- Have the hand sanitizer and health signage easily accessible at entry points.
- Virtual events and meetings continue to be the safest, especially during surge events.
- Stay updated on the latest health regulations and best practices by visiting COVID-19 Media Page - LA County Department of Public Health.
While restrictions have relaxed, it’s up to all of us, even fully vaccinated persons, to keep each other healthy when gathering throughout the holiday season. Thank you, Santa Monica, for getting vaccinated, wearing your mask indoors, and working together to keep our community on the path of recovery during this pandemic.
Authored By
Lindsay B. Call
Chief Resilience Officer