Health officers say reduce gatherings, travel for holidays
With coronavirus cases swiftly rising, officials from the greater Bay Area are urging people to approach the holidays with extra caution.
Keep inperson gatherings small, avoid traveling long distances, and gather outside, health officers from Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Solano counties and the city of Berkeley said in a joint statement Monday.
The recommendations reflect the private gatherings guidance issued by California officials last month. The state plans to issue more specific recommendations for the holidays this week.
“When people who live in different houses or apartments are together at the same time in the same space, risk of COVID19 spreading goes up, even when the people are relatives or friends,” said Dr. Gail Newel, health officer for Santa
Cruz County, in a statement.
California allows people from up to three households to meet up for less than two hours. Gatherings must be held outside, hosts must collect contact information for contact tracing in case of an outbreak, and everyone is required to wear face coverings and maintain social distance.
“Any activity outside of your household increases chances of exposure to the virus,” the health officials said in a statement. “Be selective and space out which public activities you choose. If gathering with your small, stable group is most important, consider forgoing or delaying other activities such as a haircut or indoor dining to reduce your overall exposures.”
The guidance adds that nonessential travel, including holiday travel, is not recommended.
The officials note that air travel outside the Bay Area is likely to increase the chances of residents getting infected and spreading the virus to others after returning to the region.
San Francisco’s Department of Emergency
Management issued an alert on Monday that said the city is experiencing a sharp uptick in positive cases and hospitalizations. “While you may want to gather with friends or loved ones, you should limit activities to only people you live with,” the alert said.
Newel offered a set of recommendations for celebrating the holidays, such as hosting online parties, attending holiday movie nights at drivein venues and sharing recipes.
“There are many ways to enjoy the holidays with loved ones without gathering,” she said.