Don’t bring COVID home with you

Remember, the coronavirus can take up to 14 days to start showing its symptoms once you’re infected. Now is the time to take steps to limit your possible exposure to COVID-19 — before you head home for break.

  • Get a flu shot
  • Avoid crowds and gatherings
  • Limit your social circle
  • Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer
  • Maintain 6 feet or more of physical distance
  • Stay home when you can
  • Watch yourself for symptoms
  • Self-quarantine if you’re feeling sick

Recognize high-risk behaviors

If your friends or roommates are not practicing safe behaviors such as physically distancing, mask-wearing, self-quarantining when sick, limiting gatherings, or frequent hand washing, make sure that you are practicing these safe behaviors so you can protect yourself. Remind your friends and roommates to do their part in slowing the spread of COVID by practicing safe behaviors.

Traveling safely

With widespread community transmission of COVID-19 nationwide, the best advice is to avoid travel if you can. Staying in one place and limiting your contact with others is the best way to keep yourself safe and avoid spreading the virus.

Know who is vulnerable

If you will be traveling to be with family or friends, discuss with them first if there are individuals who may be especially vulnerable to COVID-19.

Vulnerable populations can include:

  • Older adults
  • Young infants
  • People whose immune systems are suppressed, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, people with infections, or people with immune disorders
  • People with diabetes or asthma

If there are vulnerable people among the friends and family you intend to visit, strongly consider not visiting. If you must, plan to quarantine separately from those people for 14 days before you’re in contact with them.

Consider your destination

When deciding whether to attend a holiday celebration, consider the number of COVID-19 cases in the community you plan to visit and the infection rate. Consult your hometown’s local health department’s website for more information.

Take it outside and stick to a time limit

Indoor gatherings generally pose more risk than outdoor ones, and indoor gatherings with poor ventilation pose even more risk. Take gatherings outside if you can, and if you have to be inside, open doors or windows to provide fresh air. And remember, gatherings that last longer are riskier than shorter ones.

Holiday gatherings considerations

  • Take it outside, if possible
  • Limit the duration of the gathering
  • Maintain 6 feet or more of physical distance
  • Wear your mask: keep your family and loved-ones safe
  • Don’t go if you feel unwell, sick, or have a cold
  • Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer

More information about holiday celebrations is available from the CDC.

General travel tips

  • Wear a mask on public transportation, such as trains, buses or airplanes
  • Maintain social distancing by staying at least 6 feet from anyone who’s not a part of your household
  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Additional travel guidance during the pandemic is available from the CDC.