As you prepare for the upcoming holidays, please remember to celebrate differently this year, says Durham Commissioner and Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle.
“While this is a time of year when many of us usually look forward to spending the holidays with family and friends, sharing meals and having large gatherings, Covid-19 continues to spread across our region and we must remain committed to our fight against illness,” he pointed out in a statement.
“We know that social gatherings increase the risk of illness for all attendees and we ask that area residents celebrate differently this year. The provincial government has provided guidelines for gatherings and winter holiday celebrations to identify the safest way to participate in holiday activities,” he said.
He asked residents to avoid in-person social gatherings at work and at home, saying virtual celebrations are the safest way to enjoy the holidays with loved ones outside of your household.
Dr. Kyle recommended the following:
- Leave home only for essential reasons
- Use alternate methods to do your holiday shopping, such as on-line shopping or curbside pick-up
- Avoid travelling as much as possible, including going to regions that are in the green, yellow or orange levels of the provincial Covid-19 Response Framework
- Students who are returning home for the holidays should self-quarantine or drastically reduce contact with others, as much as possible, for 10 to 14 days before returning home
- Practice physical distancing
- Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands
- Wear a non-medical mask or face covering in all indoor public spaces and when physical distancing is challenging
- Avoid touching your face
- Clean high-touch surfaces often; and,
- If you are experiencing any symptoms, even mild symptoms, stay home
“Despite the restrictions currently in place across our region, I hope that you can find creative ways to celebrate this year and I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season,” he added.