Make the Holidays Merry and Bright — and Safe
November 19, 2021
For the second holiday season in a row, we’re going to have an unwanted guest at our gatherings: COVID-19 — or at least the threat of the virus. Last year, there was a huge spike in holiday-related cases nationwide. Will we see the same this year? It’s impossible to know. However, there are steps you can take to make the season’s celebrations safer, especially for those who are at highest risk from Covid.
The list of recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes gathering outdoors, if possible, when there will be people who don’t live with you at the event. For those in colder climates who must meet indoors, make sure everyone wears a well-fitting mask. That includes people who are fully vaccinated. Many experts also recommend opening a window in your house (if the outdoor temperature allows) and putting a fan in the window to further improve the circulation of outdoor air.
If you’re celebrating just with your own household, there are still many ways to make the holidays special. Check out these fun ideas from Today’s Parent and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. If you tend to take on too much over the holidays or are feeling low because family events are canceled, the Mayo Clinic offers tips to help you avoid stress and depression and come back to work refreshed.
Still the Best Advice: Get Vaccinated
The CDC’s top recommendation for staying safe this holiday season is one your CoolSys leadership strongly advocates: Get vaccinated. There still may be time to get the required shot(s) before the December holidays. The CDC has guidance to help you find a vaccine in your community.
And remember: Through the end of 2021, you can earn a $200 reward from CoolSys for getting fully vaccinated. Here’s how:
- After you’ve been fully vaccinated (both shots of a two-shot vaccine or one shot of a single-shot vaccine), log in to Mycoolsysbenefits.com. Use the “Single Sign-On” button to log in with your CoolSys email address and password.
- Click on “Claim your incentive.”
- Select the name of the vaccine you received, enter the date(s) you received it, upload a photo of your vaccine record card then click “Submit.”
- We will process your $200 incentive on the next payroll. You can expect to see it within 30 days of approval under the paycode “VAX”.
Giving Your Immunity a Boost
One of the current hot topics related to COVID-19 is booster shots. There is a lot of confusion surrounding these vaccines, particularly who’s eligible. Fortunately, the CDC has published a clear explanation about booster shots that should answer any questions to you have. You might also want to watch this excellent overview of current Covid topics — including booster shots and vaccines for children — from Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a practicing physician and the chief medical correspondent for ABC News.
No matter how you choose to celebrate the holidays, please keep Covid safety in mind. Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. Avoid poorly ventilated indoor environments. Keep distance between you and anyone who doesn’t live with you. Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer. Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving and a delightful launch into the December holiday season!