CHICAGO – The holiday season officially kicks off in Chicago on Friday with a slew of activities including the city’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Christkindlmarket opening, Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights and more.
With these events, authorities anticipate the arrival of crowds in the city, so they recommend paying attention to your surroundings and reporting any suspicious activity to 9-1-1.
In addition, the Chicago Department of Public Health has offered a series of guidelines and recommendations to avoid an increase in cases of respiratory illnesses such as influenza, RSV and complications with COVID-19 during this season in which many families and relatives plan to meet .
Next, we share the recommendations of the health authorities:
- Stay up to date on flu vaccinations and COVID. All babies 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine to protect themselves from influenza viruses. Your COVID-19 vaccination should include all primary series doses and boosters for your age group. If you haven’t received the updated COVID vaccine (bivalent booster) since Labor Day, you are out of date
- Stay home if you are sick, even if you have been vaccinated against COVID and flu. Stay away from parties or events and get tested for COVID-19. Even if you’re negative, stay home until you feel better.
- Talk to your doctor if you are sick. If flu or COVID is diagnosed, treatments are available
- Wear a mask if you have symptoms, test positive for a respiratory virus, or are exposed to someone with COVID-19
- Consider wearing a face covering on public transportation, in indoor public places where vaccination status is unknown, and when visiting high-risk family members
- Get tested for COVID-19 five days after an exposure
- Hold meetings outside whenever possible or open windows for better ventilation
- Remember to wash your hands
