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October 29, 2021 – This year we are in a better place to enjoy the holidays safely than a year ago. The trick or treatment is appropriate this weekend, international friends and family can visit the United States again from November 8, and the widespread adoption of precautions and protections against COVID-19, especially vaccines, increases the likelihood of safe gatherings, said Henry Wu, Ph.D.
“I can’t believe it’s been a year since I last talked about it. What’s more, I’m really amazed at how much better we are now, “Wu said during a media briefing Thursday sponsored by Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. “We learned so much in the last year about COVID-19 and how it spreads.”
“I see a visible path to a safe holiday [season]which we can enjoy while minimizing the risks of COVID-19 to ourselves and our families, ”said Wu, director of the Emory TravelWell Center.
Release ghosts and goblins
In terms of the good news for Halloween 2021, infected surfaces are less dangerous for coronavirus transmission now than at the beginning of the pandemic.
“So I wouldn’t worry too much about the treats your kids get. “Just make sure their hands are clean,” Wu said.
The same hand hygiene applies to people who give treats to fraudsters.
Another positive factor is that trick-or-treating is largely an outdoor event. And outdoor events that aren’t full or crowded are usually safer than other types of gatherings, Wu said.
“Going from door to door for a trick or treatment is certainly a safe activity,” he said.
In announcements earlier this month, both Anthony Fauci, Ph.D., and Rochelle Valensky, Ph.D., MPH, agreed. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the trick or treatment was safe this Halloween.
The CDC recently updated its guidelines for safer holidays during COVID-19 on October 15, and on October 25, Walensky encouraged children to put on their costumes, stay out and enjoy tricks this year.
Also, for people who hand out candy, consider precautions. For example, Wu said, “you can reassure your trick or treatment by wearing masks that you mean their safety.”
Some potentially riskier traditions will have to wait. For example, “hygiene is definitely important. Of course, I’m not sure how many people are still scrambling for apples, but I don’t think I would be in a hurry to get involved even before the pandemic. “
Layer clothing and protective equipment
Keep in mind the basics to limit coronavirus exposure, and the more protection, the better.
“Remember that you can increase your protection by using all the basic preventative measures we are all familiar with, such as masking when you are in high-risk situations and avoiding crowded indoor spaces,” Wu said.
“Just as you layer your clothes in cold weather, you can layer your protection against COVID.”
In addition, because piercing infections are possible among those vaccinated, consider masking if a friend or family member is immunocompromised or has a higher risk, Wu said. As an additional precaution, anyone who gathers may agree to be tested in advance.
“I really think it’s important to see your family, especially the weak ones who haven’t made it out,” Wu added. “So I would just encourage people to have fun, but to take advantage of as many layers as possible.”
Travel tips
If you plan to travel for the holidays, Wu recommends that you get vaccinated if you qualify. Also, research the requirements of COVID-19 at home and where you are going in advance.
“Note that if you are unvaccinated, you will need to be tested before and after your trip,” Wu said.
Testing is also required for American travelers returning to the United States, vaccinated or not.
In addition, from November 8, the US government plans to allow international visitors to enter the country if they are vaccinated.
“It’s an exciting time because so many of us have family and friends who haven’t been able to visit us,” Wu said. “Let’s be good hosts and welcome our visitors by getting vaccinated.”
Thanks for the vaccines
And speaking of a good host, if you’re planning a holiday party or gathering, “plan your events so they’re safe and then people can enjoy themselves comfortably,” Wu said.
If you’re having a party, keep your numbers lower or keep it outside, for example.
Again, it is best to be vaccinated if you are planning a family gathering for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or another holiday in the coming months.
“Remember, the more households you have together, the higher your chances of getting sick,” Wu said.
Reduce that risk by getting vaccinated and encouraging friends and family to do the same, he added.
Reasons for optimism
Asked if the potential FDA approval for Pfizer COVID-19 in children ages 5 to 11 could make a difference this holiday season, Wu said: “Well, surely the more people are vaccinated, the safer it will be. . And we know for sure that children can get COVID-19 and can spread it. “
“I encourage people to follow the news and talk to their doctors when these vaccines are approved to see if it makes sense for your family to be vaccinated,” he said.
Overall, although there are reasons to celebrate this holiday season, the pandemic is not over yet. “Remember, we are not yet at a time when we can do everything as we did before the pandemic. So let’s not make the mistake of letting go of our vigilance too soon, “Wu said.
“On the other hand, we really have the tools to control the pandemic and we are safely doing so much of what we missed last year.
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