CDC issues 2021 holiday COVID-19 guidance urging vaccination ahead of gatherings
[ad_1]
The first American COVID-19 vaccine recipient to receive a booster in New York
Sandra Lindsay, the intensive care nurse, the first person in the United States to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, received her booster dose on October 6 at New York’s Northwell Long Island Jewish Medical Center (Source: Michael H Goldberg / @ michaelhgoldberg via Storyreich)
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released official public health guidelines for their 2021 holiday season urging people to get vaccinated against the coronavirus while still wearing masks indoors and in public spaces wear.
The guidelines emphasize that people should get vaccinated before the holidays if they haven’t already. For young children who are not yet eligible for the vaccine, the CDC suggests reducing the risk of exposure by making sure people around them are vaccinated.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, President-elect Joe Biden to preside over the Centers for Disease Control, speaks during a press conference at the Queen Theater on December 8, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware. ((Photo by Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images))
“With many generations tending to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize the risk of COVID-19 and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated when you are eligible,” wrote the CDC on Friday in a press release.
The agency also suggested wearing well-fitting masks in public indoor spaces that cover your nose and mouth if not fully vaccinated. Even those who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask in indoor public spaces in communities with significant to high transmission, the CDC said.
“By working together, we can enjoy safer vacations, travel, and protect our own health and the health of our family and friends,” continued the CDC.
TIED TOGETHER: CDC is removing holiday notices suggesting “virtual” celebrations from its website
The agency noted that those who are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19 should avoid hosting or attending a gathering.
“If you are considering traveling for a vacation or an event, visit the CDC travel site to decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends postponing the trip until you are fully vaccinated, “the agency wrote.
The latest guidance comes as the nation prepares for another possible spike in COVID-19 infections as cold weather drives people indoors while the pandemic continues.
Earlier this month, according to a spokesman, the CDC removed outdated guidelines from its website to safely celebrate the upcoming holiday season amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
A link had originally directed people to an outdated vacation notice url that suggested Americans virtually celebrate the upcoming holidays with their families.
TIED TOGETHER: U.S. COVID-19 deaths top 700,000 as Delta variant fuels the pandemic
“The instructions on this page were out of date holiday notices. The site had a technical update on Friday, but it does not reflect CDC guidelines before this upcoming holiday season, ”the spokesman wrote in a statement to FOX Television Stations on October 5th.
This is a developing story. FOX News and Austin Williams contributed to this.
This story was told from Los Angeles.
[ad_2]