As we approach the end of 2020, we face multiple holidays exhausted, stressed and family deprived. During this time of year we often get together with family and friends while spreading the joy of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Years. But, with COVID-19 still around we’re struggling with how to spread the joy as we’d hoped for. Connecticut is still in Phase 2 and we continue to see spikes of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths throughout Connecticut.
The same guidelines still apply as they did during Thanksgiving. We know it’s hard, and we are right here with you. All of us have families and want to spend the holidays together.
So…..AFC Urgent Care Torrington is here to help you prepare for a COVID-19 Free Chanukah, Christmas and New Years with important information and guidance.
COVID-19 Travel Safety for Christmas
Traveling is very restricted right now because of the concern that it may increase your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. As much as we all want to be together, we suggest staying home, as this is the best way to protect yourself and others. You can host virtual gatherings if you have friends and families in red zone states with high cases of COVID-19. It might seem like a bummer, but this way, you’ll still have the opportunity to celebrate with them while staying healthy and COVID-19 free.
If you do decide to travel, here is a checklist if you are hosting a gathering, or if you are visiting relatives:
- Check the travel restrictions of the state you are visiting before you decide to drive or fly anywhere. If it’s a red zone state we highly suggest you avoid going. If you do go, prepare to quarantine and to get a few COVID-19 tests to ensure you’re testing negative.
- As much as is possible, start quarantining now, at least a week before the holiday.
- Get tested for COVID-19. Even if you’re celebrating locally and you’re not going to a different state, you still need to be diligent about this so you can prevent the spread and keep your friends and families safe.
- Get a Flu shot and avoid the twindemic. Flu season is already here and the last thing you want is to get both COVID-19 and the Flu. If you get a flu vaccine you’ll not only be flu protected, but it will help medical professionals rule out the flu when diagnosing COVID-19.
- Wash your hands and don’t touch your face, eyes and mouth. Bring extra supplies like masks and hand sanitizer to an event. Even if the gathering is indoors you should still wear a mask.
- Practice social distancing. Governor Lamont’s recent restrictions include reducing restaurant capacity to 50% and keeping the number of people in a gathering to a maximum of 10.
Guidelines for celebrating Christmas safely
Whatever you end up doing for the holidays we hope that you stay safe and responsible when attending or hosting a gathering. We highly suggest that you hold everyone accountable for bringing their own foods and to avoid sharing foods. Mask up, social distance, don’t share food, and remember:
Firepits are this years dive bars!!
As mentioned earlier, you should get tested for COVID-19 before you go. You should also quarantine and avoid non essential contact with others, 14 days prior to your plans. If you are getting tested for COVID-19 before the event, we suggest allowing 72 hours beforehand to obtain results. After your event, you should also consider getting tested at least 3-5 days after to ensure you did not contract the virus.
AFC Urgent Care Torrington can help test you for COVID-19 this Christmas
The risk for COVID-19 is not knowing if you have it or not. AFC Urgent Care Torrington is aware of the recent restrictions in CT and hope that you take this time to prepare for the winter holidays. We offer both COVID-19 rapid testing with results in 30 minutes (by appointment only) Mondays -Saturdays.
We also offer PCR standard COVID-19 testing 7 days a week. ***Due to the high demands and holiday traffic, results can take 3-5 business days.
And, in case you need us for other urgent care services, you can always walk-in for X-rays, flu shots, sprains, wounds, food borne 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 Torrington community to seek quality treatment from a brand they can trust.
