Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and the new year are usually the one time of the year when we open presents, share memories and relax with family. It’s also a time where we have to worry about the health of our loved ones and others as we gather together through the month of December. Thankfully, we now have vaccines for COVID-19 and newer and faster testing options for COVID-19 to make it a little easier. But, we should still be cautious as we approach the holidays week by week to ensure we don’t see any spikes in COVID-19 cases.

AFC Urgent Care New Britain is here to help with a health and safety checklist to follow this Christmas so that everyone can avoid COVID-19.

Traveling This Christmas Has Some Requirements

The COVID-19 virus knows no borders.

International travel is still very restricted because there are plenty of places around the world with high counts of COVID-19 cases and the newest COVID variant, the omicron, emerging . 

All airports require that you wear a mask to fly. There is no escaping that rule.

As far as traveling, we highly suggest you check your destination for any rules or COVID-19 restrictions. Hawaii is a good example of a destination that requires a proof of a negative PCR test from a trusted provider. Lucky for you, AFC Urgent Care New Britain is a trusted provider that is partnered with the state of Hawaii that can help you with your COVID-19 testing needs.

If you’re vaccinated, you’re good to fly in the U.S without delay. If you’re not vaccinated you’ll have to check-in and add some additional steps in order to fly. For instance, besides the state of Hawaii, you still need to show proof of a negative PCR test 1-3 days before you fly domestically. On the other hand, international travel has even more restrictions like testing negative before you return to the U.S.

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated if your plans are to travel this holiday season. It’s best to check with The CDC as they continue to update their travel guidance regularly. 

The COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidance Remains the Same 

There isn’t much of a change to the usual health and safety guidance the CDC or the DPH recommends for us when protecting against COVID-19. With that being said, we should continue to apply the same holiday guidance, by wearing a mask that covers our mouth and noses. We should also hold each other accountable for keeping a social distance and washing and sanitizing our hands and keeping the air flowing. Open windows and bundle up!

If half of your guests are not vaccinated, it would be a good idea to recommend testing as an option to prevent the spread at your gathering. 

You Should also look out for colds, flu, and other illnesses this holiday season. It can be confusing differentiating between all lurking viruses!  Know the differences here:

Add a flu shot to your COVID-19 health and safety checklist

Flu season is in full effect and protecting against the flu with a flu shot will help keep you safe this winter. It will also help protect those around you who are immunocompromised. Attending a Christmas celebration with family members that are older, pregnant, or have weaker immune systems are vulnerable to the flu. Help them, and YOU, avoid the “Twindemic”

 by getting a flu vaccine. We have enough to worry about with COVID-19!

AFC Urgent Care Can Help Test You For COVID-19 Before Christmas

The risk for COVID-19 during end-of-the-year celebrations is not knowing if you have it or not.

AFC Urgent Care New Britain can help test you for COVID-19. We offer rapid COVID-19 testing with results on the same day. We also offer regular standard COVID-19 testing 7 days a week. 

***As we get closer to the holidays, wait times for testing may go up depending on the demands for testing. Plan ahead!

And, if you need a flu vaccine we can give you one too! 

Our center is open 7 days a week and we are located on 135 E. Main St. You can always walk in for X-rays, flu shots, sprains, wounds, foodborne illnesses, and other urgent care needs at any time. AFC Urgent Care in New Britain makes it convenient for our families and friends in the New Britain community to seek quality care and treatment from a brand they can trust.