As we got closer to December, many of us were getting ready to celebrate the festive season. After dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic for another year, we deserve to have a good December. However, Omicron had other plans (major eye roll). Many of us had to defer plans, cancel our travels and deal with the increased number of cases in the country.

So, we decided to put together a short list of things you should consider if you are planning on having a festive December…

1. Travel thoughtfully

Yes, many countries have banned us from entering but if you are traveling between cities or provinces via trains, planes or buses, always use your mask. Double mask if you have to. Not only do you need to protect yourself, you need to protect others as well.

2. Get tested!

If you are experiencing any flu/cold-like symptoms, get tested! If you are unable to get tested due to the cost of a test or limitation on transport, make sure you quarantine for the recommended amount of time to avoid spreading whatever you’re experiencing to someone else.

3. Adhere to protocols

If you are hosting a gathering, make sure everyone wears a mask, sanitises and adheres to social distancing – especially if you are unsure of who they were in contact with before arriving at your event.

4. Communicate

If you have tested positive – communicate with those that you have been in contact with. Covid-19 is very much a chain-reaction and should you not inform those that you have spent time with, things can go from bad to worse pretty quick.

5. Know their status

Vaccines are a very sensitive topic at the moment. Some are for it and some are against it. If you are for the vaccine and have already had your shot, you should not feel uncomfortable when asking those that you plan on spending time with if they have had their shot already.

6. Ignore the guilt trips

If friends or family are guilting you into not wanting to spend the festive season with them – ignore! If you are aware of how reckless they are, and you are uncomfortable with being in the same room as them, you have no reason to feel bad at not accepting their invite.

7. Back track!

Always think about where you are going and where you have been. The spread of Covid-19 is all about our own behavior. Keep track of who you spent time with and what you were doing, this may help should you start experiencing any symptoms.

As scientific studies suggest, getting the vaccine is an easy way to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and minimise the symptoms experienced. However, if you are not onboard with that just yet, it’s best that you adhere to social distancing protocols at all times. All the best for the festive season and stay safe!