'StayCOVIDSafe' This Holiday Season, Warns HoCo Executive Ball

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Howard County Health Department has released guidance for residents to “StayCOVIDSafe” this holiday season. He emphasized the importance of staying safe to help curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We all know this holiday season is going to look and feel a lot different, but there is hope on the horizon and our actions over the next few weeks can make a difference,” Ball said. “With increasing cases and widespread community transmission, it is much wiser to shift plans now and know we will all be reunited soon. To stay COVID safe this winter, please heed the advice of our public health officials and alter your holiday plans accordingly – we can still connect more safely outdoors, masked and distanced or online to share moments with our loved ones.”

What to avoid:

• Indoor gatherings, meals and parties
• Crowded stores
• Traveling to attend holiday gatherings

What to do instead:

• Always wear your mask, keep your distance and wash your hands
• Shop online and locally whenever possible or at off-peak times when stores are less crowded
• Have a small dinner with only members of your household
• Meet with family or friends outdoors instead of sharing a holiday meal, wearing masks and physically distanced
• Wrap and mail gifts to family and friends, and open together over the phone or online
• If you haven’t already, get your flu shot

“This year we will be celebrating the holidays differently. Staying home with household members and creating new traditions is the best way to stay safe,” said Dr. Maura J. Rossman, Howard County Health Officer.