How to stay healthy and enjoy the holidays

Public health experts offer advice on coronavirus protection

As the delta and omicron variants of the coronavirus surge, how can we stay healthy and safe during the holidays? 

First, we must recognize the challenges that exist.

“We’re now entering what could be the most dangerous time since last winter,” said Philadelphia Public Health Commissioner Cheryl Bettigole.

Bettigole said Philadelphia has seen infection rates double in the last few weeks and hospitalizations increase by about 50%.  

In response to the rise in infection rates and hospitalizations, city and health officials announced last week that Philadelphia will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to dine indoors at bars, restaurants, indoor sporting events and other food-related establishments starting Jan. 3.  

Philadelphia is among a growing number of cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City, that will require people to show proof of vaccination to enter various types of businesses and venues.  

As the delta cases surge, the omicron variant spreads and hospitalizations rise, public health officials are offering advice on how to stay safe during the holidays. 

Getting vaccinated remains the best defense and getting a booster shot further increases protection.  

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said he, his wife and his three daughters are all vaccinated with boosters, and they plan to spend the holidays together, even seeing a few friends who also are vaccinated and boosted.  

“We can feel safe,” Fauci said this week on NBC's “Nightly News.” “Nothing is 100% risk-free.”  

Other health tips include avoiding large indoor gatherings. Large parties aren't as safe as small ones. Indoor parties aren't as safe as outdoor gatherings.  

At a large, indoor party, one person without a mask can result in many people infected, said Dr. Celine Gounder of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.  

“Some of these are turning into superspreader events," Gounder said.  

Even if everyone is vaccinated and boosted, breakthrough infections can happen, including with omicron, which has shown the ability to sidestep the protection of vaccination in lab tests.  

Health experts also recommend wearing masks, opening windows, running an air purifier with a HEPA filter for gatherings during the holidays.  

People traveling by air should be extra careful about wearing masks in crowded airports, Fauci said.  

“Wear your mask all the time,” Fauci told a Wall Street Journal podcast. “It will be required to wear a mask when you’re on the plane, but don’t get careless in the airport with all the crowds that are in the airport and take your mask off.”  

Check the rules of your destination country if you're planning to travel abroad. Some nations are adopting new rules in response to the omicron variant.  

While you shouldn’t let the coronavirus dampen your holiday spirit, you should follow the advice of health experts to reduce the risk while enjoying family, friends and festivities.

Irv Randolph is an award-winning journalist. For more opinions on politics, race and current affairs go to TheRandolphReport@substack.com. If you like this column please share it.