Summer is the perfect time for barbecues, picnics, vacations, and other celebrations.  Gathering together and participating in seasonal and holiday traditions are important for families and children.  Because many generations tend to gather together to celebrate, parties and celebrations can increase your risk of getting COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV.  Below are several ways to gather more safely and protect your family's health.

1. Get vaccinated.  The best way to minimize risk and keep your family and friends safer is to stay up to date on your routine and seasonal vaccinations. To find a COVID-19 or influenza vaccine service provider near you, visit the Vaccines website.
2. Consider wearing a mask when respiratory viruses are circulating in your community.  People, even if vaccinated, can carry COVID-19 or influenza and pass it on to others without showing symptoms.  Wearing a face covering when indoors helps reduce transmission and protect people who are vulnerable to severe disease. If you are at risk for serious complications of COVID-19 or influenza, consider wearing an N95 respirator for better protection against infection.
3. Celebrate outdoors and keep gatherings small.  Circulate fresh air by opening windows if you are gathering inside.
4. Stay home if you are sick or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or another respiratory virus like influenza or RSV recently.  Do not attend celebrations or participate in activities if you feel sick or have recently come in contact with someone who was sick with a respiratory virus. If you were exposed to someone who is ill and most attend the gathering, please consider wearing a mask to protect others.
5. Monitor for signs and symptoms after holiday celebrations and activities.  Watch for symptoms of illness for 10 days, particularly during days 2 to 5 when people are more likely to develop symptoms.
6. Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have close contact with someone who has COVID-19.  You may consider getting tested 1 to 3 days before gathering or traveling and 3 to 5 days after gathering or traveling to make sure you don't unintentionally give COVID-19 to others. 
   
   • If you are traveling by air, check with your airline for additional vaccination and testing requirements.

By working together, we can enjoy safer holidays, travel, and protect our own health as well as the health of our family and friends.