As the holiday season approaches, many patients are inquiring about family gatherings, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While every family’s situation is different, there are some general guidelines to consider to minimize your risk. The larger the number of guests at an event is associated with a greater risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. The risk of spreading coronavirus is also clearly worse with indoor gatherings, especially ones where eating and drinking will limit the use of face masks. Additionally, anyone traveling for the holidays will have the additional risk of their point of origin as well as the travel itself, especially with flying and public transportation.

Unfortunately, this year has been very difficult for all of us and the limited holiday festivities will be especially difficult over the next few months. Your health and your family’s health are the most important things to consider right now so that we can all be together again safely in the future. To that end, we strongly urge you to limit indoor gatherings to your closest family or friends.