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As many of us have just started getting excited for the holidays and making travel plans to be with family, the CDC issued new tips on how to make traveling and gathering a safer experience in terms of COVID-19.

Information titled “Safer Ways to Celebrate the Holidays” was released Friday and urges Americans to take precautions while enjoying festivities.

“Holiday traditions are important for families and children,” reads the guidance. “There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible.”

Other tips besides getting vaccinated if you are eligible include wearing masks that fit over the nose and mouth in public indoor settings if you are not vaccinated, and wearing them even if you are vaccinated when in communities with “substantial to high transmission.”

The CDC reminds us that outdoors is safer than indoors, and to avoided crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.

Other common sense suggestions include not hosting or attending parties if you are feeling sick and getting tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if you were in close contact with someone who has COVID.

The CDC recommends holding off on travel until you are fully vaccinated. If you do choose to travel, you should follow their recommendations for safer travel and of course to remember to wear a mask on all forms of public transportation as it is required.

The CDC also offers special considerations in its advice including what to do if you’re gathering with people from multiple households and people who may be from different parts of the country.

“…you could consider additional precautions (e.g., avoiding crowded indoor spaces before travel, taking a test) in advance of gathering to further reduce risk,” reads the advice.

The holiday advice concludes with the message that if people work together, they can enjoy safer holidays and protect the health of themselves and their family and friends.