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The holiday season is coming up. While it brings a ton of excitement, it also poses a risk, given the current circumstances. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and cases on the rise, it is still quite unsafe to venture out and take part in gatherings.
But there are ways to enjoy the festivities and ensure safety at the same time. Here’s what you can do:
1. Plan and test in advance
If you are thinking of spending the holiday season with your family or friends, you need to plan all details. Fix the location, day, time, and the number of attendees, etc. well in time. Try and limit the number of family members and friends and the time span of the event to reduce the chances of community transmission.
Take a coronavirus test at least two weeks before the day of the gathering. In case you test positive, self-quarantine at home or quarantine in a state hospital or coronavirus facility. Re-test yourself post the 2-week quarantine period.
Coronavirus testing is now covered in COVID insurance and health insurance plans. So, you do not have to worry about the costs.
2. Maintain social distancing protocols
Since there is no vaccine for coronavirus yet, maintaining social distancing and following proper hygiene practices are crucial. Follow these World Health Organization recommended guidelines at any gathering that you attend:
- Keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others
- Minimize close physical contact and gestures
- Wear a mask (pick a cloth one over an N-95 or surgical mask)
- Carry an alcohol-based sanitizer
- Avoid touching surfaces of doors, windows, elevators, staircase, etc.
- In case of contact with a person or surface, wash your hands with soap and water or sanitize with an alcohol-based sanitizer
- Carry gloves and wipes for extra care
- Use a personal vehicle for transport
- If you are hosting the gathering, keep a set of extra-masks, sanitizers, etc.
In case you have or develop any symptoms of coronavirus around the time of the event, it is recommended to postpone the event and self-quarantine in a separate room altogether to keep others from harm. In case your symptoms persist, it is advisable to get a coronavirus test done. A COVID insurance plan will cover such tests.
You can also consider a good health insurance policy like the Lifeline Health Insurance Plan or the Arogya Sanjeevani Policy to avoid spending in excess on diagnostic and treatment costs.
3. Host/attend outdoor holiday gatherings.
Reduce the risk of community transmission by hosting large gatherings in large outdoor spaces and smaller to mid-size gatherings in properly ventilated and spacious indoor places. You can also serve healthier foods that are in sync with nutritional standards laid down to battle coronavirus.
Conclusion
The coronavirus pandemic has signified the onset of a new normal. The tips listed above are some of the strongest tools at your disposal to adjust to the current reality. Follow them to keep not only your family members and friends but also colleagues, neighbours, acquaintances, strangers, and the rest of the community safe.