NYC’s new burden to stop COVID

Holiday season is upon us, and it will be a complicated time for New Yorkers. Many of us are experiencing grief and hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those emotions will mix with our more familiar feelings of joy as we reconnect and reflect with friends and family.

But this is also a time when, with cases increasing, we must remain vigilant and safe. We are entering the riskier winter months with new cases of COVID-19 surging across the United States and the world — the U.S. has now surpassed 10 million cases, is averaging 100,000 new cases daily, and more than 238,000 Americans have now died since the start of the pandemic.

We are also seeing the threat of a second wave. Here, numbers of COVID-19 cases are up in all five boroughs. We are now consistently above the threshold for the seven-day average of new reported cases, and the percent of people testing positive for the virus is climbing.

The timing of this increase in cases should give everyone pause. As we enter the holiday season, we are asking New Yorkers to put safety first: Continue to stay at least six feet distance apart as much as possible.

Do not go elsewhere, especially to places where the virus can be particularly infectious, such as indoor gatherings. Do wear face coverings.

During the holidays, that means finding creative ways to spend time with each other. I understand this isn’t easy. Events typically center on togetherness. My wife and I usually host Thanksgiving for our extended family, and I have fond memories of last year’s gathering, when our baby daughter tasted her first solid food (sweet potato!) surrounded by so many doting relatives.

I am sad that this year’s Thanksgiving will be different — mostly virtual, like so much else — but I know that it is necessary.

Traditions like these are what make the holidays so special; unfortunately, they also carry the most risk. We are always learning more about COVID-19, but what we do know is that the virus spreads through social gatherings — even small ones.

And the cooler weather means drier air, conditions that make most respiratory viruses like COVID-19 more contagious.

That’s why this year, we must change the way we celebrate. If it can be avoided, we urging New Yorkers to cancel travel plans, because returning travelers can be a source of community outbreaks. Likewise, attending religious ceremonies or holiday gatherings are also a risk.

Group settings make physical distancing difficult, and it is not possible to wear a face-covering when you are eating and drinking. Remember, people without symptoms can still spread COVID-19.

While the holidays may look different, there are ways to keep their spirit alive, particularly at a time that is so difficult for so many New Yorkers. First and foremost, reach out to your friends, family and neighbors, particularly those whom you think may be struggling.

And we can still have some fun! Consider hosting a virtual cooking competition, dance party or trivia game; stream the big football game on TV and watch virtually with friends; or plan a group call to share what is bringing you hope and joy during the holidays.

If you decide to meet up with others — or for whatever reason cannot avoid travel — talk about strategies for reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and decide on safety measures together.

And the same old new rules apply: Wear a mask around those who aren’t part of your immediate family group, especially when indoors. Wash hands often or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Get a COVID-19 test before seeing older adults, or others who may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19, and after you attend a gathering or travel. And as we have said from the beginning, stay home if you are not feeling well, tested positive, or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Lastly, I urge New Yorkers to talk to a trusted friend, family member or counselor if you are experiencing depression, stress and anxiety. If your feelings become overwhelming, seek professional help. Remember that the city’s free and confidential mental health support service, NYC Well, is available 24/7, at 888-NYC-WELL.

Over the last nine months, we have collectively suffered through losses of family members and neighbors, separation and economic hardships. As a practicing physician, I witnessed firsthand the pain and the resilience of New Yorkers during the devastating months at the height of the pandemic; and now as the city’s doctor, I urge us to do everything we can to not go back to those days.