Get a fan and get vaccinated, says CDC in vacation safety tips

Anyone looking to celebrate the fall and winter vacation without spreading COVID-19 should consider a window fan or a passing greeting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The suggestions are part of the agency’s list of safe ways to party – sort of an epidemiologist’s take on Martha Stewart’s house for the holidays.

The agency says it is safer for people from different households to meet outdoors than indoors. But if a gathering is to take place indoors, the CDC recommends opening windows and doors to increase ventilation.

“You can use a window fan in one of the open windows to blow air out the window,” the agency said. “It will bring in fresh air through the other open windows.”

“What we should be doing is looking at indoor ventilation,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Biden, told CBS’s Face the Nation.

“We now know that it’s clearly spread by aerosol, and when you have something that spreads by aerosol, you absolutely want more ventilation, which is why the outdoors is always a lot safer than it is outside. ‘inside,’ he said. “And if you’re indoors, ventilation is going to be key.”

The CDC recently updated its vacation guidelines

Getting vaccinated, keeping a mask handy and social distancing remain at the top of the CDC’s guidance for people wanting to avoid the coronavirus. But it also contains tips for anyone trying to manage the potential risks of celebrating a vacation during a pandemic.

Some highlights for meeting people outside your home:

• “In general, you don’t need to wear a mask outside,” the CDC says – but adds that in areas where the number of cases is high, people should consider wearing a mask in the areas. crowded outdoors or in close contact with someone who is not vaccinated.

• Anyone over the age of 2 who is also not fully vaccinated should wear a mask in indoor public places.

• Consider celebrations or virtual gatherings rather than in-person events.

• If you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, stay home.

• Discuss expectations and behavior early, so that everyone is working from the same ground rules regarding masks and other safety measures.

The CDC’s holiday-specific advice ranges from timeless – “Decorate your home with holiday-themed articles and banners” – to pandemic-specific: “Host an outdoor celebration with everyone at least 6 feet apart. “

If these approaches don’t provide the sense of community that many of us enjoy while on vacation, the CDC suggests walking or driving around your neighborhood waving to neighbors. You can also volunteer to help others in need or drop gifts on your doorstep.

New health data shows things are getting better

Recent prediction models show the United States could be heading for a steady decline in the number of new cases – a welcome development after the delta variant fueled a late-summer wave. But Fauci says it’s not yet time to relax.

“It’s just too early to say” whether Americans will be able to come together over the winter break, Fauci said Sunday.

The focus should now be, Fauci said, on reducing the number of cases, through vaccination and other means.

Despite the promising news, nearly all states and territories in the United States are currently experiencing high levels of community transmission, according to the CDC. The agency hopes to avoid the massive spike in year-end cases and deaths that Americans suffered last year.

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