With COVID-19 numbers increasing many families have struggled with what to do this winter around the Holidays.

 Are large family gatherings safe to happen this year? This question has been a big area of controversy all over the United States.

Gov. Kim Reynolds urges families to stay home, wear a mask properly, and social distance.

 “It’s more important now than ever to reach as many Iowans as possible with information about what they can do to stop the spread of the virus,” said Gov. Reynolds. 

However, if plans are already in the works for you and your family, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends you follow some precautions. These measures include wearing a face covering at all times, washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, limiting all interactions with anyone who is sick, and avoiding touching all areas of your face. 

Even with all these precautions, the safest thing is still to stay home and celebrate with family members in your household. Virtual meetings are a great way to still connect with family while being safe and stopping the spread of COVID-19.

“If everyone does their part, we’ll get life back to normal and keep our businesses open, our kids in school, our hospitals stable and our essential workforce healthy,” says Gov. Reynolds. 

Although the holidays might look a little different this year, they are not cancelled. Keeping in the holiday spirit and having a positive way of thinking will truly make this holiday season special!