Ontario’s Medical Officer of Health has released updated guidance ahead of the holiday season about how to celebrate safely with loved ones.
Dr. Kieran Moore says the pandemic is not over and he’s urging people to maintain public health measures in order to prevent a further spread of the virus.
Here are the other tips from the province on how to celebrate safely during the holidays:
Visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus
If you do choose to see Santa in-person, it is safer to see him outdoors than indoors. You can also consider visiting with him virtually.
In either case:
- stay home if you are feeling ill, even if you have mild symptoms
- wear a face covering indoors, including when a photo is being taken. Santa’s face covering should fit well over his beard
- line up two metres apart from members of other households if waiting
If you are planning on organizing an in-person event to meet with Santa, Mrs. Claus or the elves, you are required to comply with all organized public event gathering limits, public health measures and all other provincial and local restrictions.
Exchanging gifts
- Maintain a physical distance of two metres and wear a face covering when exchanging gifts with individuals from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or status unknown.
- Wash your hands after handling or opening gifts.
If you stay at another home overnight or host overnight guests
- practice hand hygiene frequently
- individuals from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or status is unknown should practice physical distancing (two metres at all times) and wear face coverings
- hosts and guests from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or status is unknown should not sleep in the same bedroom and should use separate washrooms, if possible
- spend time together outdoors
- have a plan for what to do if someone becomes ill, even with mild symptoms
If you are considering travel and/or an overnight stay:
- ensure you adhere to provincial restrictions on organized public events and social gatherings (local restrictions may also apply)
- consider whether you, someone you live with or anyone you plan to visit with is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19covid 19, to determine whether to stay overnight in the same residence or to stay elsewhere
- consider and prepare for what you will do if you or someone else becomes ill during the visit, even with mild symptoms, including creating plans for self-isolation, health care and travel home
The federal government has also released some guidance on shopping and traveling over the holidays.