How to reduce COVID-19 risk on your holiday
COVID Holiday Tips
- COVID-19 levels in your area– please consider the number of COVID-19 cases in your community and in the community where you plan to celebrate when deciding whether to host or attend a gathering. Check CODID STATS for South Africa COVID-19 South African coronavirus news and information. sacoronavirus.co.za)
- Exposure during travel– Airports, bus stations, train stations, public transport, petrol stations, and rest stops are all places travellers can be exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces.
- Location of the gathering – Indoor gatherings, especially those with poor ventilation (for example, small, enclosed spaces with no outside air), pose more risk than outdoor gatherings.
- Duration of the gathering– Gatherings that last longer pose more risk than shorter gatherings. Being within 2 meter of someone who has COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more greatly increases the risk of becoming sick and requires a 14-day quarantine.
- Number and crowding of people at the gathering – Gatherings with more people pose more risk than gatherings with fewer people. CDC does not have a limit or recommend a specific number of attendees for gatherings. The size of a holiday gathering should be determined based on the ability of attendees from different households to stay 2 meters (2 arm lengths) apart, wear masks, wash hands, and follow state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations.
- Behaviours of attendees prior to the gathering– Individuals who did not consistently adhere to social distancing (staying 2 meters apart), mask wearing, handwashing, and other prevention behaviours pose more risk than those who consistently practiced these safety measures.
- Behaviours of attendees during the gathering– Gatherings with more safety measures in place, such as mask wearing, social distancing, and handwashing, pose less risk than gatherings where fewer or no preventive measures are being implemented. Use of alcohol or drugs may alter your judgment and make it more difficult to practice COVID-19 safety measures.
- Has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has not met the criteria for when it is safe to be around others
- Has symptoms of COVID-19
- Is waiting for COVID-19 viral test results
- May have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- Is at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19
- Do not host or attend gatherings with anyone who has COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
