Are you planning on spreading holiday cheer…. or COVID-19? The risk is not knowing, especially during this time of year when we have back-to-back holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year. With COVID-19 still around we need to be EXTRA cautious of the latest variants such as the Delta variant and the most recent emerging Omicron variant.

Although we can’t eliminate risk, we can mitigate it, especially by creating various kinds of accommodations for people with higher risk factors. Let’s hope vaccines and therapeutics will keep catching up with the new variants as they emerge and evolve. But the bottom line is that we still have to go on living as close to normal as possible: sending kids to school, letting them see friends, going to our jobs, socializing, eating at our favorite restaurants, consuming culture, and all the rest.

But let’s all be smart and plan ahead so that we can celebrate the winter holidays COVID-19 free. AFC Urgent Care Norwalk created a health and safety checklist for you before you travel, or attend a gathering. Here is what you should know:

Check Your Travel Destination This Winter Season

Traveling is still somewhat restrictive.  At this time, domestic flights don’t require vaccination, but you do need a COVID-19 test 1-3 days before you travel if you’re not vaccinated. The CDC also recommends for unvaccinated individuals get tested when they return. 

Hawaii continues to have restrictions to enter its state unless you get a COVID-19 test from a trusted provider. Luckily for you, AFC Urgent Care in Norwalk is a trusted provider with the state of Hawaii and can help you with COVID-19 testing for entry. 

Although cases in the U.S have decreased over the past few months, travel restrictions for international countries are more restricted than domestic traveling, and the rules are continuously being updated. A COVID-19 vaccine will be your safest bet when traveling internationally. 

The best thing to do is check the state or country you wish to travel to this winter to avoid any delays and of course avoid COVID-19. You can check with The CDC as they continue to update information on travel safety during COVID-19.

Plan For All Winter Bugs And Viruses

COVID-19 is not the only virus to watch out for this holiday season. Don’t forget about the flu, colds, norovirus and hand, foot and mouth disease, which seems to be rearing its ugly….foot...again. It is contagious, but it’s not COVID-19. Nowhere close.  

Symptoms for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) are:

• Sores in the mouth

• Rash on your feet and hands

• Fever

If you’re confused as to whether you have the flu, a cold,  or COVID-19 look at the differences below here:

Ready To Celebrate? Get Tested For COVID-19 First!

The risk for COVID-19 is not knowing if you have it or not. AFC Urgent Care Norwalk wants you to feel safe this winter season, which is why we offer both Rapid and PCR testing options 7 days a week with no appointment needed. 

***We cannot predict the demands of COVID-19 testing for the holidays, so please plan in advance before you travel, go to a family gathering, etc.

And, in case you need us for other urgent care services, you can always walk in for X-rays, flu shots, sprains, wounds, foodborne illnesses, and other urgent care needs at any time. With extended hours from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday and weekend hours from 8 am to 5 pm, we make it convenient for our families and friends in the Norwalk community to seek quality treatment from a brand they can trust.