COVID Through the Holidays in California

Overview

California is going through a difficult time right now. To get us all to the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, we all need to work together. But while we’re each doing our part, we still can celebrate the holidays. We just need to be smart about how we do it so that we keep our communities and loved ones safe. Here are some suggestions:

1.  Get tested. There is a variety of options for doing so, including:

a. Drive-through testing. This is an easy and convenient way that is available throughout California.

b. Costco. Easy access tests are available at the retail giant Costco. These tests are reliable, they can be performed in the comfort of your home; and, although a bit expensive, worth it. Stanford pediatrician Dr. Alek Patel recommends Costco’s test as a way to get quicker results and, because it entails a saliva sample, avoid the discomfort of a nasal swab test.

2.  Enjoy socially distanced holiday gatherings. Now that you’ve been tested and know that you aren’t infected, use this guidance to safely celebrate:

Serve your meals safely. Experts have indicated that it is unlikely for COVID-19 to be spread by food or food packaging. The real concerns for gatherings are the sharing of utensils and face-to-face contact that happen people are in close proximity to each other for meals. To mitigate these concerns, plate each individual’s food prior to the start of the meal (i.e. avoid passing serving utensils between people), and serve individualized items such as tarts instead of multi-serving pies.

Get remotely festive! Dress up, decorate, sing, and enjoy all of your seasonal traditions…. on Zoom, FaceTime or other meeting app.

We all fervently hope that 2021 will see us celebrating holidays with visits, feasts and hugs. In the meantime of 2020, do those safe and prudent things that will get us all soundly into the new year.

Happy Holidays!