In this U.S. Air Force file photo, Shadauna Yates, 11th Force Support Squadron child youth program assistant, lathers her hands at Child Development Center 1 on Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, April 3. Washing hands often is on the list of ways to prevent COVID-19. During the pandemic, the CDC is taking precaution with every action. Personnel practice social distancing and even added an additional break area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Xiomara M. Martinez)
COMMENTARY: Families must consider COVID-19, influenza this holiday season
In this commentary, Lt. Col. Simeon Smith, chief of Public Health, SHAPE and Brussels healthcare facilities, elaborates on how we can keep ourselves, our Families and our communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and flu season.
MONS, Belgium – COVID-19 has changed the way of life for millions of people around the world. It has changed the way people travel and the way people congregate and socialize with families, friends and loved ones.
Tragically, the virus has infected more than 65 million people and killed more than one million around the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, it has brought the world economy to its knees and put millions of people out of work.
As the holiday season (Christmas and New Year) draws near and as we entered the influenza season, COVID-19 continues to post an increasing health risk to people around the globe and in our community.
So, as we usher in the holiday season, I would like to highlight behaviors that individuals, Families and the communities can do to keep COVID-19 and influenza at bay. Our behaviors during and after the holiday season can help stop or minimize the spread of both COVID-19 and the influenza viruses.
In many countries around the word, the holiday season is a time for celebration and socialization with friends and families. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, this holiday season will be different from past holiday seasons.
We all will have to modify our behaviors and make some sacrifices to the way we normally celebrate the holiday season. We have to make these present sacrifices for a healthier holiday season. Our behaviors this holiday season will help decrease the spread of viruses within our community.
WHO and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have provided a few recommendations to Family and friends on how we can safely celebrate this holiday season:
Keep the celebration limited to your household family.
Avoid traveling if not necessary or essential.
If you have to travel, ensure you wear your mask at all times while in public places and while on public transportation; maintain a distance of at least six feet/two meters from others.
Stay away from other people that are not part of your household (keep your distance and always use your mask).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
Prefer outdoor to indoor gathering.
When you travel outside of Belgium, kindly follow the host nation, SHAPE and USAG Benelux travel guidance (follow the most stringent regulation); you should inform your chain of command, Military Public Health and the school of your travel upon return.
Do not go to work when you are sick, and keep your children from school or from day care when they are sick.
For parents, speak to your children on the importance of wearing a mask and keeping their social distance when they are with friends that are not part of their household
These mitigation practices are important in protecting ourselves, our Families, our friends, loved ones and our community from the spread of COVID-19 and the influenza viruses during and after the holiday season. The decision we all make now, will guarantee a healthier holiday season in the future.
Thank you for doing your part in helping stop the spread of the viruses and keeping our community safe.
Have a wonderful holiday season.
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For more on COVID-19 from the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit the links below:
WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
By Lt. Col. Simeon Smith, chief of Public Health, SHAPE and Brussels healthcare facilities