Editor’s Note: Since publication, the CDC has removed this guidance from its website and is expected to update it in the coming weeks.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released its COVID-19 guidance for the upcoming holiday season. According to the agency, the best way to celebrate this year is virtually or through small, socially distanced gatherings.
It continues to strongly encourage eligible Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, now in order to protect them during the holiday season. If you are not fully vaccinated and aged two or older, it is recommended you wear a mask at all times in public.
“I think many folks had a lonely Thanksgiving and lonely holiday season last year, and there’s a social need to get together,” said Dr. David Larsen, an environmental epidemiologist and graduate professor at Syracuse University.
Larsen said he does not expect many virtual celebrations this year but rather many small-scale gatherings with friends and family.
“[COVID-19] cautiousness runs a spectrum…there will be some that will be pure virtual because of their caution level, but I don’t think that’s going to be the majority…I expect people to get together for holiday parties,” Larsen said.
Larsen also noted the CDC’s indoor recommendations of fan use and open windows to maintain proper airflow and ventilation when around others at holiday events.
Along with celebration recommendations, the CDC also released guidance on holiday travel. It is recommended that you delay traveling until you are fully vaccinated.
Comparing this year’s expected travel numbers to last year’s is an unfair comparison, but Larsen said this is more of a sign of vaccinations and the public’s COVID-19 fatigue than better new case numbers, hospitalizations, and deaths from this time last year.
“I think the public perception of the pandemic is that it’s winding down, but there’s still substantial transmission and hospitalizations in some areas,” Larsen said.
All, vaccinated or not, are required to wear masks on public transportation.
