Algoma Public Health has some recommendations on how to celebrate the holidays safely this year.
While the Algoma region is in the 'green' zone, Premier Doug Ford has previously warned all Ontarians to only celebrate with those who live in your household.
Earlier this week, Mayor Christian Provenzano also urged Saultites to stay home and say no to Christmas parties this year.
Algoma Public Health is echoing both sentiments.
It recommends limiting contacts and in-person interactions and avoiding non-essential travel and gatherings.
The health unit reminds residents that people who do not currently live in your housing unit (that includes college students returning home for the holidays) should be considered part of a different household. Celebrating with those from out of town pose an increased level of risk, APH says.
APH recommends celebrating the holiday season virtually, as it poses the lowest risk for spread. Suggestions to keep the holiday traditions alive (in a modified way) are:
- Connect online
- Plan to eat at the same time as another household while video chatting
- Open gifts on video chat
- Watch holiday movies together online or on the phone
For those of you travelling for essential reasons (medical appointments, family emergencies, etc.) APH suggests following these safety measures to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
- Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and do not travel if you are sick
- Wear a mask throughout your travel (i.e. at gas stations, public transportation, when in the airport)
- Consider driving home by car with only those in your household, do not carpool
- Continue to wash your hands throughout your travel, whether it is public settings, like on public and mass transportation, and anywhere you will be around other people
- Avoid close contact by staying at least two metres apart from anyone who is not from your household.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick
- Avoid touching your face mask, eyes, nose, and mouth
If you are planning on hosting guests overnight during the festive season, the following guidelines will help you prepare to stay as safe as possible:
- Visiting people should consider doing a self-quarantine, or drastically reducing close contact with others 10 to 14 days before returning home for the holidays
- Ask your guest(s) if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms prior to departure, ask that they seek testing and stay home.
- Take care of your shopping, and groceries before they arrive to avoid trips out in the community
- Visitors should sleep in a separate bedroom and use separate washroom
- Do not host gatherings at your house if you have an out-of-Algoma visitor
- Be sure to clean and disinfect high touch surfaces, such as faucets, door knobs, counter tops regularly
- If able, encourage using a separate washroom for visiting guests.
- Spend time together outdoors. Take a walk or sit outdoors, where possible, for interpersonal interactions
- Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms (hosts and guest)
- Have a plan for what to do if someone becomes ill, even with mild symptoms