NEW YORK – The Christmas season is just around the corner, and the New Jersey State Department of Health released recommendations for celebrating this season in a way that can prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Sharing the celebrations with family and friends is an important moment in the holidays,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “However, this year will be a holiday season like no other, and we must continue to maintain our vigilance against COVID-19 and celebrate safely and responsibly to ensure a healthy holiday.”
The commissioner reminds the residents of the Garden State that the meetings outside and inside must follow and comply with the State’s measures regarding the limit of people.
Christmas gatherings and celebrations:
- Limit family gatherings to immediate household members only if possible. Additionally, using technology to share with others outside of the immediate home is a safer alternative to visiting them in person.
- Lighting of tree lights, menorah lights, and other festive gatherings should be held outdoors.
- People who have been told to self-quarantine or isolate themselves should not attend any meeting, regardless of whether it is held indoors or outdoors.
- If you organize a small Christmas gathering:
- Small gatherings should be limited to immediate household members, as much as possible. Current indoor meeting limits are no more than 10 people and outdoor 25 as of December.
- Use single-use serving containers whenever possible.
- Make sure everyone washes their hands before preparing, serving, and / or eating food.
- Make a hand sanitizer available for everyone to use.
- Avoid buffets and self-service drink stations.
- Use non-contact trash cans if possible.
- The seating arrangement should encourage 6-foot physical distance.
Visits to the mall to see Santa Claus:
It is recommended, to keep families, children and employees safe this Christmas season, that people consider alternatives to visiting Santa Claus indoors, including shopping malls, churches, and stores, to reduce the risk of exposure / transmission of COVID-19.
- As a safer alternative, they ask to consider virtual tours or outdoor tours with Santa Claus.
- If shopping malls and other indoor locations still choose to offer in-person tours it should be a “no contact” experience.
- Visits should limit time to reduce interactions between people.
- Reservations should be made before in-person visits to avoid crowding around the Santa Claus display area and to provide sufficient time between guests to clean and sanitize any high-touch surfaces.
- Children should not be allowed to sit on Santa’s lap at any time.
- Santa can be placed in a chair behind a plexiglass shield in an open area to allow good air flow.
Choirs and Christmas carols
Because it is a high-risk activity, singing poses an increased risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Consequently, it is recommended that people consider events virtually whenever possible.
Vacation travel
- Travel outside your home should be limited.
- Since airports, bus stations, train stations, public transportation, and rest stops are places where travelers can be exposed to COVID-19, limiting non-essential travel this holiday season is recommended.
- Instead of traveling, it is recommended that you stay home and connect with family and friends using video conferencing technology.
Christmas flea markets among other places
- All sellers and organizers should observe physical distancing and place markings on the ground to promote distancing among buyers.
- All people should wear masks and disinfectant.
- They recommend considering offering reservations for a limited number of people per time slot. This will help reduce crowds.
- Flea markets should be held outdoors, when possible.
- Try to offer curbside shopping outside of stores to minimize the number of indoor shoppers.
- Outdoor food stalls must follow current guidelines for eating outdoors
To see all recommendations visit this page.
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