Unfortunately, household gatherings could potentially contribute to the rise in COVID-19 cases, if not held with safety measures in place. Consider how your holiday plans could be modified to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep your friends, families, and communities healthy.
Celebrating at home with members of your own household or celebrating virtually is the safest option and poses the lowest risk for spread. Consider preparing traditional dishes with those in your household or hosting a virtual dinner and share recipes with family and friends. Pass the time by watching parades, sporting events and movies at home.
If you gather, do so wisely and take precautions to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Keep your gathering small, short and local. If possible, stay outside and ensure proper ventilation if indoors. Wear masks and social distance; in addition, wash your hands regularly, especially before and after eating.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages folks to avoid unsafe activities and events that may pose a higher risk for spreading COVID-19, which include large gatherings, especially indoors and in poorly ventilated spaces.
As of November 19th, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting 382 positive cases and unfortunately 7 deaths from COVID-19 in Goochland; 46 of the positive cases and 1 death were associated with the Virginia Department of Corrections Virginia Correctional Center for Women & State Farm Work Center.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets. To lower the risk of spreading respiratory infections, including COVID-19, VDH encourages the following effective behaviors:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Get your seasonal flu shot.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have it, follow the steps from the CDC website to help protect other people in your home and community.
The Chickahominy Health District is working to provide up-to-date guidance. The following resources have been established to answer COVID-19 questions: for the district’s COVID-19 hotline, please call 804-365-3340 Monday-Friday (voice message are checked and calls are returned between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), email questions to chickahominycovid19@vdh.virginia.gov or call VDH’s hotline at 877-ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343).
For the latest on COVID-19, visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/.