Five ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas City this Christmas
As you gather with loved ones for the holidays, it’s more important than ever to practice a few common-sense behaviors to limit the spread of COVID-19. Whether you’re traveling to see family or enjoying the season at home, these simple tips can help keep you safe and healthy.
1. Test often
Knowledge is power when it comes to staying safe from COVID-19. If you’re able to get your hands on an at-home test, put it to good use by testing yourself before attending any gatherings. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you may still be carrying the virus and could pass it along to more vulnerable loved ones.
Plenty of testing options are also available for free around Kansas City. In some cases, you don’t even need an appointment— although it’s always a good idea to call ahead to make sure your chosen site is open and offering the type of test you’re looking for.
2. Vaccinate your kids
The CDC has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in children and teenagers. That means that if your kids are over the age of 5, they can receive this 2-dose shot for greater protection against the virus. Some sites around Kansas City are offering special pediatric vaccination events. Check out our guide to local vaccination sites to learn more.
3. Isolate before gathering
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control, advises holiday travelers to stay home and limit their exposure to others before gathering with loved ones for the holidays.
“I want to remind folks that so much about the safety of your gathering has less to do with the plane ride or the train ride that you’re going to do to get there, and very much to do with the behaviors that you have in the week prior to your gathering,” Walensky said in a TV interview this week.
“Have you been practicing those safe prevention strategies or have you been out in gatherings in public indoor settings without a mask on? Because that’s really when your exposure would’ve happened.”
4. Wear a mask to protect against omicron
While mask wearing is not widely mandated in the Kansas City area, Missouri officials know that masks work to slow the spread of the virus. Making this simple choice can give you and your loved ones an extra layer (or two) of protection against illness. With cases of the highly contagious omicron variant on the rise, mask-wearing is especially important at indoor gatherings and among large groups of people.
5. Get a booster shot
Those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible for a booster shot— and there are plenty available for free in the Kansas City area. The CDC recently expanded this guidance to include teenagers aged 16 and 17 in addition to adults. Experts agree that booster shots provide an extra layer of immunity against COVID-19 and can help keep your loved ones safe and healthy this holiday season.
Do you have more questions about how to stay safe from COVID-19 in Kansas City? Our Service Journalism team is here to help. Reach out to us as kcq@kcstar.com or fill out the form below.
This story was originally published December 22, 2021 at 1:30 PM.
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