Holiday Safety

The holiday season is a time to celebrate, be thankful and share our love to those we care about. This holiday season we want to make sure that love and happy memories are all that you are sharing with your loved ones.

Below are safety tips to ensure that you and yours have a safe and healthy holiday season.


General Precautions

Wear a mask

  • Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19.
  • Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
  • Make sure the mask fits snugly against the sides of your face.

Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you

Wash your hands

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Keep hand sanitizer with you and use it when you are unable to wash your hands.
  • Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.


Safe Alternatives

Host a virtual meal with friends and family who don’t live with you
  • Schedule a time to share a meal together virtually.
  • Have people share recipes and show their turkey, dressing, or other dishes they prepared.

Watch television and play games with people in your household
  • Watch Thanksgiving Day parades, sports, and movies at home.
  • Find a fun game to play.

Shopping
  • Shop online sales the day after Thanksgiving and days leading up to the winter holidays.
  • Use contactless services for purchased items, like curbside pick-up.
  • Shop in open air markets staying 6 feet away from others.

Other Activities
  • Safely prepare traditional dishes and deliver them to family and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others (for example, leave them on the porch).
  • Participate in a gratitude activity, like writing down things you are grateful for and sharing with your friends and family.


Safely Gather

  • Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community.
  • Limit the number of guests.
  • Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.
  • If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.
  • Limit the number of people in food preparation areas.
  • Have guests bring their own food and drink.
  • If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.


Safely Travel

  • Check travel restrictions before you go.
  • Get your flu shot before you travel.
  • Always wear a mask in public settings and on public transportation.
  • Stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone who is not in your household.
  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.


Food Safety

  • Thaw your turkey safely, which means never leave it out on the counter at room temperature. Place it in a container in the refrigerator.
  • Handle your turkey the right way — clean, separate, cook, and chill — to prevent the spread of bacteria.
  • Cook turkey and stuffing thoroughly, to 165°F.
  • If you plan to bake, do not eat raw dough or batter, and use pasteurized eggs in dishes that call for raw eggs.
  • Wash your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
  • Keep foods separated. Keep meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods at the grocery store and in the refrigerator. Prevent juices from meat, chicken, turkey, and seafood from dripping or leaking onto other foods by keeping them in containers or sealed plastic bags. Store eggs in their original carton in the main compartment of the refrigerator.