Just Kidding: CDC Holiday Guidance Released In Error

MINNESOTA — Updated guidance issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding COVID-19 protocols during the holidays was removed Monday just days after it was posted to the agency website.

As of Monday, the holiday tips landing page was removed, with CDC representatives noting that old guidance was posted in error and that new guidance is coming soon.

"The content is in the process of being updated by CDC to reflect current guidance ahead of this holiday season," CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said in a statement. "The page had a technical update on Friday, but doesn’t reflect the CDC’s guidance ahead of this upcoming holiday season. CDC will share additional guidance soon."

The guidance, which was posted on Friday, listed virtual and in-person gatherings with fully vaccinated individuals as being the safest options for holiday gatherings. The agency also noted that masks should be worn at indoor gatherings or outdoor gatherings that are crowded, or gatherings with those who are not fully vaccinated.

"Attending gatherings to celebrate events and holidays increases your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. The safest way to celebrate is virtually, with people who live with you, or outside and at least 6 feet apart from others," the CDC noted in its since-removed guidance.

"If celebrating indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible. You can use a window fan in one of the open windows to blow air out of the window. This will pull fresh air in through the other open windows.”

MN COVID Stats

At least 276 Minnesotas died from COVID-19 in September, according to state health figures, and over 60,000 cases were reported.

Minnesota hospitals are now at or near capacity, including the state's pediatric hospitals.

Almost all COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota are now in people who weren't fully vaccinated. Over 61 percent of the total state population has received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID Booster Shots

Minnesota has begun administering Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to residents who are eligible under guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Based on CDC guidance, these Minnesotans who got the Pfizer vaccine should receive a booster shot after six months:

• people 50–64 with underlying medical conditions
• people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings

Based on CDC guidance, these Minnesotans who got the Pfizer vaccine may receive a booster shot after six months:

• people 18–49 with underlying medical conditions
• people 18-64 who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of work or another setting