Tips for safe gathering at home for the holidays
Winter 2020 was the season of Zoom holidays, and in 2021, the omicron surge spoiled end-of-year plans. So far in Saskatchewan, the 2022 holiday season is off to a bumpy start with flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases with more possible COVID-19 cases on the horizon. If you’re planning to gather with family, friends and co-workers over the holidays, don’t bring an unwelcome guest. Protect your friends and loved ones and provide safe gatherings by staying home if you feel sick.
Getting vaccinated, boosted, and wearing masks in public places prior to the gathering should provide sufficient protection, even for older relatives. Pay attention to how you are feeling. Call HealthLine 811 anytime to get advice about any symptoms and whether you need additional medical care.
Your best defense against serious illness and hospitalization due to flu or COVID-19 continues to be vaccination. The Saskatchewan Health Authority and pharmacies throughout the province provide vaccination clinics. To find a clinic near you please visit SHA’s Walk-in vaccine clinic webpage which includes information on pharmacy locations and online booking.
To find a flu immunization clinic near you, or get other information on the flu, visit 4flu.ca. You can receive both your influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time and you can book up to six people at a time for vaccination appointments.
COVID-19 home self-test kits are free and available at a number of distribution centres around the province. If you are feeling unwell, do a home rapid antigen self-test. The results are ready in minutes.
If a rapid test shows you are positive for COVID-19, stay at home. If you test negative for COVID-19 but are still feeling unwell, it’s also recommended to stay home to not spread any other illnesses you may be carrying.
