No matter the nature of your holiday celebrations, it is recommended to follow basic precautions for keeping yourself and others safe. These include:

• Wear a mask indoors and outdoors. Masks should be worn over your nose and mouth, secured under your chin, and fit snugly to the sides of your face.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If these are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Get your flu shot to help protect you and your family, friends, and community from getting and spreading flu.

These lower risk activities can be safe alternatives:

• Having a small dinner with only people who live in your household or social bubble
• Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and delivering them in a way that does not involve contact with others
• Having a virtual dinner and sharing recipes with friends and family
• Shopping online rather than in person when gift shopping for holidays
• Watching sports events, parades, religious services, and movies from home

Below are suggestions for activities that are moderate risk with an emphasis on maintaining social distance:

• Having a small outdoor dinner with family and friends who live in your community
  • Lower your risk by following CDC’s recommendations on hosting gatherings or cook-outs
• Attending small outdoor events with safety precautions in place

Avoid these higher risk activities to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19:

• Going shopping in crowded stores, especially during times when it may be more difficult to social distance
• Participating in or being a spectator at a crowded race
• Attending crowded parades
• Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors
• Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household or social bubble

For more information about activities that are moderate or high risk for potential exposure to COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website.