UAB Medicine News

As Easter approaches, celebrating the holiday during a pandemic may seem more optimistic than last year, but community members should remain diligent in their efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Here are a few tips for celebrating Easter more safely this year:

Get Vaccinated

Consult with your primary care physician for any concerns you have about the vaccine. The vaccines approved for use in the United States are intended to train the body to successfully fight the virus and minimize symptoms. There is still a possibility of contracting COVID-19 or infecting others even after vaccination.

UAB Medicine currently offers four vaccination sites across central Alabama. For more information appointment requests and eligibility, visit our COVID-19 vaccination website.

Wear a mask

Wear a mask securely over your nose and mouth, and make sure it fits snugly along the sides of your face. Mandates and guidelines for masking may vary by location, although the CDC still recommends wearing a mask in public indoor spaces and around those outside your household. There’s a health bonus, too: masking has been shown to reduce those pesky springtime allergies caused by various pollens in the air, according to a recent study.

Celebrate Virtually

If your place of worship offers an online or streaming service, consider tuning in to reduce the amount of in-person contact. Reach out to family, friends, or members of your congregation to see if there is a way to help them celebrate virtually. Instead of a traditional Easter egg hunt, coordinate with neighbors to place large, bright-colored paper eggs in their windows for neighbors to “hunt” while on a family walk.

Socially Distance

If you still plan to hold or attend an in-person gathering, be sure there is ample space to spread out. Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces and buffet-style dining with shared serving utensils. Consider enjoying your Easter meal, or other activities and crafts, outside.

Wash Your Hands

Continue good hand hygiene before, during, and after meals and events. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse, backpack, or car for times when soap and water is not easily accessible.

Monitor Symptoms

If you or someone in your household is experiencing symptoms, or has recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19, cancel plans to gather with others and seek medical attention as necessary.

With the rollout of vaccine distribution across the United States, it is tempting to rush toward the light at the end of the tunnel. Continue taking precautions to protect yourself and those around you.

SOURCES:

• http://www.uab.edu/uabunited/covid-19-vaccine
• https://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/11921-masking-may-help-prevent-severe-allergies-this-spring
• https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19/assets/cov-sah-mask-faq.pdf
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/winter.html