Spring Gatherings and Holiday Safety
Season 1, Episode 42, Apr 08, 2022, 07:55 AM
Share
Subscribe
Resources: OHA COVID-19 vaccine site: covidvaccine.oregon.gov; OHA Facebook; Safe+Strong site; Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz; REACH webpage/Facebook.
Spring Gatherings & Holiday Safety
Q1: Is it safe to gather now?
With many vaccinated/recovered and low COVID-19 cases, gathering is safer. However, indoor, unmasked gatherings with many people increase exposure risk (2 in 100 assumed infected if 100 people are present). COVID-19 spreads via airborne particles, so good ventilation helps. Smaller gatherings allow for spreading out. Best protection: vaccination, boosting, and flu shot for ages 5+. Outdoor gatherings are safer, especially if everyone is vaccinated/boosted. Use CDC’s COVID Data Tracker to check local case numbers and adjust safety measures.
Q2: Should I worry about getting COVID-19 from shared utensils?
Surface transmission is less common than airborne spread. Individual utensils or wiping them between uses can add protection.
Q3: How do I assess my risk when gathering?
Consider if you, a household member, or a visitor are 65+, have chronic conditions (diabetes, lung/heart disease), are immunocompromised (steroids, chemotherapy, uncontrolled HIV, autoimmune disease). If yes, consider masking. If medically cleared, ensure vaccination and flu shot.
Q4: Is it safe to hug again?
Many miss hugging. Assess your and the other person's risks: vaccination status, risk for severe disease. COVID-19 spreads via air, so consider turning your head or wearing a mask.
Q5: How can I stay safe when traveling for the holidays?
Get vaccinated, boosted, and your flu shot. Bring a high-quality, well-fitting mask (N95/KN95) for public transport/airports (required until April 18). Check the community-level map for your destination's COVID-19 spread. If traveling by car with unknown contacts, wear a mask and keep windows open. Fly direct to limit layovers.
Q6: Why get a second booster now if hospitalizations are down?
If you only had two doses, protection against Omicron is likely low. Boosters increase protection. We don't know what the fall will bring; recommendations are based on current data.
Q7: Tell me about National Minority Health Month.
Celebrated yearly in April, originating from Booker T. Washington’s 1915 National Negro Health Week. It promotes "healthfulness in minority and other health disparity communities." This year's theme: "Give Your Community a Boost." Participate in the April 20, 2022, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Twitter chat: “COVID-19 Gamechangers: Trusted Messengers Giving Communities A Boost!” hosted by @NIMHD and @minorityhealth (English/Spanish @OMH_Espanol).
Document Accessibility: For disabilities or non-English speakers, OHA offers alternate formats (translations, large print, braille). Contact Health Information Center: 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us
Spring Gatherings & Holiday Safety
Q1: Is it safe to gather now?
With many vaccinated/recovered and low COVID-19 cases, gathering is safer. However, indoor, unmasked gatherings with many people increase exposure risk (2 in 100 assumed infected if 100 people are present). COVID-19 spreads via airborne particles, so good ventilation helps. Smaller gatherings allow for spreading out. Best protection: vaccination, boosting, and flu shot for ages 5+. Outdoor gatherings are safer, especially if everyone is vaccinated/boosted. Use CDC’s COVID Data Tracker to check local case numbers and adjust safety measures.
Q2: Should I worry about getting COVID-19 from shared utensils?
Surface transmission is less common than airborne spread. Individual utensils or wiping them between uses can add protection.
Q3: How do I assess my risk when gathering?
Consider if you, a household member, or a visitor are 65+, have chronic conditions (diabetes, lung/heart disease), are immunocompromised (steroids, chemotherapy, uncontrolled HIV, autoimmune disease). If yes, consider masking. If medically cleared, ensure vaccination and flu shot.
Q4: Is it safe to hug again?
Many miss hugging. Assess your and the other person's risks: vaccination status, risk for severe disease. COVID-19 spreads via air, so consider turning your head or wearing a mask.
Q5: How can I stay safe when traveling for the holidays?
Get vaccinated, boosted, and your flu shot. Bring a high-quality, well-fitting mask (N95/KN95) for public transport/airports (required until April 18). Check the community-level map for your destination's COVID-19 spread. If traveling by car with unknown contacts, wear a mask and keep windows open. Fly direct to limit layovers.
Q6: Why get a second booster now if hospitalizations are down?
If you only had two doses, protection against Omicron is likely low. Boosters increase protection. We don't know what the fall will bring; recommendations are based on current data.
Q7: Tell me about National Minority Health Month.
Celebrated yearly in April, originating from Booker T. Washington’s 1915 National Negro Health Week. It promotes "healthfulness in minority and other health disparity communities." This year's theme: "Give Your Community a Boost." Participate in the April 20, 2022, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Twitter chat: “COVID-19 Gamechangers: Trusted Messengers Giving Communities A Boost!” hosted by @NIMHD and @minorityhealth (English/Spanish @OMH_Espanol).
Document Accessibility: For disabilities or non-English speakers, OHA offers alternate formats (translations, large print, braille). Contact Health Information Center: 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us