COVID-19 cases continue to increase across Paulding County, and the upcoming holidays create a risk that this will continue.
Most people are doing a good job at school and work, but the things we do at home around our friends and family are just as important to prevent COVID-19.
If we’re smart, we can enjoy the holidays and drive cases down, because we know how to effectively reduce the spread of the virus.
Find tips from the CDC about how families can safely enjoy the holidays here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#thanksgiving
Watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and stay at home away from others if you might be sick, even with mild symptoms.
Symptoms can be comparable to the flu and range from very mild to severe. Read more about them here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.
If you can’t taste or smell Thanksgiving dinner, it’s a good idea to stay home.
Some people with COVID-19 report a distinct loss in taste or smell, which isn’t typical with flu. Influenza symptoms may also arrive more suddenly, while COVID-19 illness can appear anywhere from 2-14 days after infection.
If you think you might be sick, contact your health care provider to discuss your symptoms and ask if you should be tested for flu or COVID-19.
Consider alternative ways of celebrating Thanksgiving this year so that you don’t put your family and friends at risk.
The safest gathering will involve only people you live with.
Share your great recipes rather than exchanging dishes or treats.
If you host guests, talk ahead of time about ways to keep the group safe, and make sure everyone understands why it’s important.
Set up smaller dining areas or card tables that allow people to be together while keeping distance between groups.
Limit people going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, and identify one person to do the serving so no one shares utensils.
Instead of potluck-style gatherings, encourage guests to bring food and drinks for themselves and for members of their own household only.
