Holiday Gatherings Cleared By CDC As NYC Prepares For Season

NEW YORK CITY — With Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching, updated guidance on how to stay safe during the holidays has been released recommending masking and vaccinations.

It follows a surge in coronavirus infections in New York City last year after families gathered together to celebrate.

The Centers for Disease Control did not recommend capacity limits – or even avoiding indoor gatherings – which were part of last year's guidance.

"We fully expect that families and friends will gather for the holidays this year and we have updated our guidance on how to best to stay safe over the holidays," the CDC said.

"The best way to minimize COVID risk and ensure that people can safely gather is to get vaccinated or get the booster if you're eligible."

In the past seven days, New York City has seen six deaths and 36 hospitalizations caused by COVID infections. There were 946 cases. Those numbers are much lower than at this time last year.

Three days after Christmas last year, New York City saw 224 new hospitalizations and 2,428 new cases, Mayor Bill de Blasio said at the time.

To stay safe during the holiday season, the CDC said:

• Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination, such as young children, by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated.
• Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
• Even those who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission.
• Outdoors is safer than indoors.
• If you are sick or have symptoms, don't host or attend a gathering.
• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit the CDC's travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. The CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.

• If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC's domestic travel or international travel recommendations for unvaccinated people.
• If you will be traveling in a group or family with unvaccinated people, choose safer travel options.
• Everyone, even people who are fully vaccinated, is required to wear a mask on public transportation and follow international travel recommendations.

Special considerations:

• People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated and have received an additional dose. They should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask, until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
• You might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.
• If you are gathering with a group of people from multiple households and potentially from different parts of the country, you could consider additional precautions (e.g., avoiding crowded indoor spaces before travel, taking a test) in advance of gathering to further reduce risk.
• Do not put a mask on children younger than 2 years old.

"By working together, we can enjoy safer holidays, travel, and protect our own health as well as the health of our family and friends," the CDC said.

With Lisa Finn/Patch