It is important to incorporate some healthy holiday habits to help keep you and your family safe this holiday season. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) encourages healthy holiday habits to help residents and visitors celebrate.

Ways to celebrate Thanksgiving at home:

• Have a small dinner with only the people who live in your household.
• Have a virtual dinner and share recipes with friends and family.
• Shop online rather than in person.
• Watch sports events, parades, and movies from home.

It is important to avoid the following:

• Visiting the homes of others, unless you can wear a mask or cloth face covering and socially distance.
• Large gatherings; per the State Surgeon General’s Public Health Advisory avoid gatherings of 10 or larger.
• Sharing food, cups, forks, spoons, knives, and serving utensils.
• Crowded indoor events.
• Attending crowded parades, runs, or other events.

It is important to take everyday precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Stay home if you are sick. Do not participate in holiday activities if you are sick. Wear a mask or cloth face covering when in public settings and when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects. Cough or sneeze into your shirt sleeve, elbow, or tissue. Throw tissues away immediately after use. Practice social distancing. Stay at least six feet away from others. These everyday precautions can help stop the spread of COVID-19.

For more information regarding virus spreading risk at holiday celebrations, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html.

For more information regarding COVID-19, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov/.