HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The countdown to Christmas is underway and if you haven't already; be sure to include safety in your plans during the pandemic.
WZDX News has the breakdown on the Do's & Don'ts:
DO'S:
Celebrate with the people you live with.
"Do get together within your households, and have a family celebration for whatever holidays you celebrate," says Pediatrician, Dr. Pippa Abston.
Have a virtual Zoom celebration with family.
"We can have video get-togethers. I'm planning to do that" says Abston.
Enjoy the outdoors.
"Take walks outside. Get some sunshine, but still stay at least six feet away from other people who aren't in your households."
"Perhaps you can tailor your gatherings for during the daytime where you could be outdoors," says Neurologist, and Madison County Medical Society President Dr. Aruna Arora.
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DON'TS:
Take off your mask while visiting other households.
"At no point in time should you be at multiple households without masks," says Arora.
Go grocery shopping at the last minute, hoping to avoid crowds. If you do shop last minute....
"If you can order it delivered, that would be safer," says
Travel.
"Please don't travel. This is just not the year to be in a crowded airport," says Abston.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a plethora of information on how to protect yourself and other from the coronavirus.
The virus can easily spread from person to person, so the CDC recommends you stay at least 6-feet apart from people not in your household. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breaths or talks, according to the CDC. Because of this, the CDC recommends you wear a cloth facemask when around others and in public.
Additionally, the CDC recommends that you frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Symptoms to look out for include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the CDC.
If you suspect you have the coronavirus, you should seek out testing and self-quarantine.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the Alabama Department of Public Health.