From Contributing Member, Yolanda Hill-Ashford
FOR RELEASE: November 18, 2021
GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING SAFE HOLIDAYS, WHETHER TRAVELING OR AT HOME
- Get vaccinations and boosters now, and schedule rapid tests just prior to celebrations
- Simple guidelines can help reduce the risk of spread
The City of Detroit remains well into a high rate of transmission for COVID-19, with cases and percent positivity continuing to rise at an alarming rate over the 14 days. The Detroit Health Department is issuing the following guidelines to help Detroiters in planning holiday gatherings that keep everyone safe from COVID-19:
- All Detroiters who are eligible should get vaccinated. The Detroit Health Department is offering vaccinations for Detroiters ages 12+ at sites across the City, including drive-through, extended hours and pop-up sites. Walk-ins welcome. Also in home (by appointment). Call 313-230-0505 or visit detroitmi.gov for more information (all sites will be closed on Thursday & Friday, November 25-26, in observance of Thanksgiving holiday)
- Children ages 5-11 are now eligible to receive a pediatric dose of the Pfizer vaccine at two locations: 100 Mack Avenue (M-F, 4 PM – 8 PM) and Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers, (M-F, 9 AM – 7 PM and Saturdays 9 AM – 1 PM). Call 313-230-0505 to schedule an appointment. Please note all sites will be closed on Thursday & Friday, November 25-26, in observance of Thanksgiving holiday
- All Detroiters who are eligible for a booster should get their booster. The Detroit Health Department is offering boosters of all three vaccines
- Get tested the day before gathering or at most 72 hours in advance. This will decrease the risk of transmission and make everyone feel more comfortable. Free rapid COVID-19 tests are available by appointment at the Joseph Walker Williams Community Center, 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd. (M-F, 9 AM – 5 PM), no prescription necessary. Please note Center will be closed Thursday & Friday, November 25-26, in observance of Thanksgiving holiday
- Keep gatherings small and celebrate outdoors if possible
- For large family gatherings where everyone isn’t vaccinated, propose a fun and entertaining virtual event to keep the risk low
- Observe all COVID-19 safety protocols: wear a mask when gathering with people from outside your household whether vaccinated or not, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer regularly
- Avoid crowds and high-risk gatherings where you don’t know the vaccination status of others
- If you are traveling, try to quarantine for at least one week following your return home
- Get a flu shot
- Anyone who does not feel well should stay home
“We are all looking forward to celebrating the holidays in person with our loved ones this year, and we want everyone to stay safe and healthy,” said Denise Fair Razo, Chief Public Health Officer. “We want to help Detroiters plan their holidays so that everyone can enjoy a healthy, happy visit with loved ones and friends. Whether you are cooking a big dinner at home or traveling to celebrate, I encourage everyone to get vaccinated if they are eligible to do so and take precautions to protect against COVID-19. The vaccines are safe and effective, and they remain the best tool we have in keeping everyone safe from COVID-19.”
You can learn more by contacting us at 313-230-0505, visit www.detroitmi.gov/health. Click here for a holiday video advisory from Chief Public Health Officer Fair Razo.
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