Thread by @DocJeffD

From a celestial perspective, the darkest days of the year are behind us & we can look forward to more sunlight each day. Let's do everything we can to put the darkest days of COVID-19 behind us as well. 1/n

What we do for the last few days of 2020 (good riddance!) will determine what 2021 holds in store. It’s especially important to double-down on CoV-19 prevention now, when the virus has the advantage as we spend more time indoors & environmental conditions favor transmission. 2/n

Our hospitals are strained. New variants of the virus have been identified in other countries that seem to spread more easily and may appear here as well. But the basic COVID-19 prevention steps are just effective against all COVID-19 viruses. 3/n

With more vaccines on the way, over time more of us will be able to avoid CoV-19 infections & serious illnesses resulting in hospitalizations, deaths & cases of “long-COVID." So let’s do everything we can to make sure that each of us stays well until we can be vaccinated. 4/n

Not spreading COVID-19 to friends, families, loved ones, co-workers & neighbors, is the best gift we can give this holiday season. Remember CoV-19 spreads from people who look & feel well before they realize they're infected! To stop the spread, here's a review of the basics:
5/n

1) Not a good time to travel! COVID-19 rates are skyrocketing across the US and elsewhere and the risk is high to travelers & those they come in contact with. If you must travel, follow this guidance: cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…
6/n

2) Limit indoor activities & indoor contact with others as much as possible. That’s painfully hard to do during the holidays, but it shows love, respect & that we care for the health of others by keeping everyone as safe as possible. It won't be like this next year. 7/n

3) Get outdoors as much as possible for exercise & mental health! If you must gather indoors with others, know the risks & take steps to decrease them. cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…
8/n

4) Wear a well-made, snug-fitting face mask when around others indoors & with close contact outdoors. Keep indoor contacts brief & distanced - further away is better. Risk is low but not zero outdoors. Ventilate! 9/n

5) Remember the virus spreads through the air & can build up indoors over time – think of it like cigarette smoke or perfume. Avoid crowded indoor spaces.
english.elpais.com/society/2020-1…
10/n

6) Improving indoor ventilation is important! Outdoors is safest, but opening windows & doors (& portable air purifiers if available) decreases the risk inside. Space out as much as possible & limit the time spent together as much as possible. cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…
11/n

7) Continue to wash/sanitize hands often, avoid touching face.

8) Keep in touch with friends & family by phone, virtually & with outdoor activities.
12/n

Thank you to everyone for all you do to protect one another from COVID-19, especially the most vulnerable among us. This pandemic will pass & we want as many of us as possible to be alive & well when it does. Wishing all a peaceful & healthy holiday season & new year.
13/n

@threadreaderapp unroll