The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and isolating for so many people. It is natural to want to gather around the holidays with family and friends. This holiday season, consider how your plans may be changed or reduced to limit the spread of COVID-19. Your efforts will keep your friends, family and community safe! 

Consider the following recommendations, based on CDC Holiday Celebrations and Linn County Public Health Holiday Guidance for the upcoming holiday season:

• Celebrate virtually with members outside your immediate household. In person gatherings that bring together family members or friends from different households, including college students returning home, create varying levels of risk.
• Do not host or attend in-person holiday gatherings with anyone who has COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
• Do not attend in-person gatherings with someone at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• If hosting a gathering, limit the number of attendees and host outdoor gatherings as much as possible. Require attendees to wear a mask and maintain 6 feet of distance between people who are not in your household at all times.

Travel and Overnight Stays

Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.

For more information on travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the CDC’s website.