Michigan, City Of Detroit Recommend Families Cancel Their Holiday Celebrations This Year

Press release from The City of Detroit:

The State of Michigan and City of Detroit are both strongly recommending families cancel their holiday celebrations this year

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and isolating for many people. Gatherings during the upcoming holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. This holiday season, consider how your holiday plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to keep your friends, families, and communities healthy and safe.

The Detroit Health Department is challenging Detroiters to picture their #HolidaysReimagined and find new ways to celebrate the holidays with family. From single-household gatherings to gathering virtually, the holidays may look different but they can still be special.

“Following confirmation of the city’s first case in early March, most of our messaging focused on many of the ‘don’ts’ toward flattening the curve,” said Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair. “Our residents are smart and have consistently responded to our communication, that’s why we’ve taken this approach to uplift and inspire Detroiters to think outside the box and have some fun.”

If you are planning a gathering at your home, read our tips to help keep you and your family safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Small Gatherings

• Consider celebrating virtually
• No more than two households (families) may gather in one household at a time. Try to keep indoor social gatherings under ten people.
• Outdoor gatherings may not exceed 25 people
• People who do not currently live in your housing unit, such as college students who are returning home from school for the holidays, should be considered part of different households.
• Ensure the space is well ventilated and large enough to maintain social distancing
• Keep gatherings short; Longer gatherings may increase your risk for catching COVID-19.
• Consider socially isolating before your gathering and practice social distancing, mask wearing, hand washing, etc.
• While gathering, maintain social distance, wash hands frequently, wear masks and sanitize high-touch surfaces often.
• Don’t leave food uncovered; Consider dedicating one person to serve food to avoid sharing serving utensils.
• Avoid sharing cutlery, plates, cups, etc.
• Provide a no-touch trash receptacle for guests.
• Avoid family gatherings if you have to travel significant distance (Ex. Driving out of state, flying, using public transit)

DO NOT Attend a Holiday Gathering If

• You have or have been exposed to COVID-19
• You have symptoms of COVID-19
• You are waiting for COVID-19 testing results
• You may have been exposed or had COVID-19 within the past 14 days
• You have a chronic health condition or are at risk from severe illness from COVID-19

More Information

• Read the CDC’s full guidelines for safe holidays here
• If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 at a holiday gathering, find out your next steps here or contact your primary care physician.
• Find more information about COVID-19 testing here
  

This press release was produced by the City of Detroit. The views expressed here are the author’s own.