COVID-19: Doctors Share Tips on How to Get Together Safely Over the Holidays | The Canadian News

As more and more families begin to plan for Christmas gatherings, doctors are sharing tips on how to do it safely and avoid the spread of COVID-19.

On Thursday, the Saskatchewan government extended public health measures, including mandatory masking and proof of vaccination, until January 31. There are no limits on the size of household gatherings.

“I think what is really important for families looking towards Christmas is to make sure that the people who want to get together are at least two weeks after their second dose (of the COVID-19 vaccine),” said the president of the Canadian Medical Association, Dr. Katharine Smart.

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Smart added that anyone with symptoms of illness should not be reunited with their families.

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Smart said families should also assess their own personal risk factors, such as taking into account elderly and immunosuppressed family members.

“It is also very important that people who are eligible to receive their booster shots receive them,” Smart said.

Smart also offered counseling for families with children ages five to 11 who won’t be two weeks after their second dose for Christmas.

“I think it is encouraging that we are seeing a pretty good immune response with a single dose of the vaccine for younger children,” Smart said.

“Now that it is being rolled out, most families will have the opportunity for their five to 11 year old children to receive at least one dose of the vaccine before the holiday season, which is encouraging.

“And again, I think families need to take into account what the risk profile is within their own family when making decisions about how to collect and also what is the spread and prevalence of COVID in their community at that time.”

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Saskatchewan Medical Association President Dr. Eben Strydom encourages everyone to get vaccinated, saying it’s the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.

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He added that people who are sick should get tested right away.

He also said that medically vulnerable people who want to meet should wear a mask.

“We know that masks are very helpful in reducing the risk of spread. Wash your hands (and) keep that social distance, we know all these little things that we get used to are really very, very effective, ”Strydom said.

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