Quarantine And COVID-19 Testing Before The Holidays: Foolproof Strategies To Mitigate Infection Risk
With
the
first
shipment
of
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine having arrived in Hawaii this week , there is hope for some cheer this holiday season. But, we all know, the celebrations this year are not going to be the same, with many of us not making it for the traditional dinner with loved ones. It is all the more disheartening given this year has not allowed us the opportunity to spend time with our ‘ohana.
As the holidays approach, there is plenty of talk among the community about preparations for celebrations in the new normal way, considering the ongoing restrictions due to the pandemic. COVID-19 testing in Hawaii, for instance, has seen an increase in recent weeks as more people believe it is an effective way to rule out active infection. Others have been pulling out kids from school early and following athome quarantine to keep themselves “shielded” so they can see their loved ones later this month.
These plans seem effective in mitigating the risk of infection at the outset, but are these strategies foolproof? Well, surely, there are caveats associated. Below, we discuss two of the most common holiday preparation strategies people are considering this season.
Should You Holidays?
Quarantine
or Self-Isolate
Before
the
If you plan to quarantine at home for a full two weeks before the holidays, it would ideally mean no trips to the grocery or drug store, no drive-throughs, no last-minute shopping for Christmas, and no playground visits for the kids.
An effective quarantine requires you and those living together to stay indoors, with no exposure to those outside your household. It might be effective to keep your risk of exposure to the virus at bay. Still, it is not foolproof if you are quarantining to meet your grandparents during the holidays. Research has shown that the novel coronavirus remains active in the human system for 10-20 days, depending on the severity of disease, suggesting that a person with an asymptomatic infection may be infectious even after a full 14-day quarantine.
Should my Family Undergo COVID-19 Testing Before Christmas? First, COVID-19 testing is a diagnostic tool, not a preventive measure, so getting a test won’t prevent you from getting the infection. It is also not a fail-safe because a person exposed to the virus may have a negative COVID-19 test for the first few days. This means, if you get a negative test, then decide to participate in an indoor gathering, and develop symptoms after a few days, you may have likely exposed other people to the infection, albeit unknowingly.
How Should You Celebrate Holidays During COVID-19 in Hawaii? ďƒ˜ Given the uncertainty of risks, make an informed choice on the scale of holiday celebrations this year. ďƒ˜ Experts and authorities recommend low-key celebrations this year, limited to a few people and preferably those within the same household.
Ahead of the holiday season, it is time to play a responsible part and set clear expectations with your loved ones. Consider virtual gatherings—these can provide a great way to keep the magic of family gatherings alive! Remember, wearing a mask, maintaining safe physical distance, and avoiding crowded spaces remain non-negotiable. Make this holiday season all about spreading cheer (not the virus)!
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