COVID-19 pandemics is still here, and prevention continues to be the best medicine, no matter how much it costs during Christmas and New Year. As this is the traditional season for family and friends to meet, national and foreign health authorities have issued some general recommendations. As with everything, these guidelines must be followed and adapted to each case - with common sense and some imagination. Do not leave your home and remain isolated, in the case: You are sick or on prophylactic isolation by covid-19; You fave symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever higher than 38 o C, difficulty breathing, coughing and loss of taste or smell); You are a positive case of COVID-19; You are awaiting test results from COVID-19. Comply with current rules Respect the restrictions of mobility and gathering of people in the municipality of residence. This information is always up to date on the official website . Reduce social contacts We must protect ourselves even more, reducing social contacts on the days before Christmas and the end of the year and especially during those days. In other words, during this season, it is suggested: That contacts are only with very few people other than those living in the same house; In the external contacts that happen, people should be together less time and preferably in open or well-ventilated spaces. Restrict celebrations The traditional Christmas or New Year lunch and dinner should be limited to the household and to a very small number of family members / friends. Digital contacts with other family members and friends should be privileged or quick meetings / visits can be organized in outdoor spaces (such as yards or terraces) and in small groups. At home, on celebration days: Always wash your hands when entering the house, after using the bathrooms and whenever necessary. Avoid the usual greetings with kisses and hugs. Always wear a mask when you are with other people with whom you do not usually live, even when you are at your home and in any context. The mask is essential and should only be removed at the time of the meal! Meals with family or friends should consider the number of seats at the table and the space of the rooms, in order to ensure an adequate distance. If possible, distribute people to several tables or divisions, keeping them grouped by groups of people who usually live together. If people who do not usually live together are seated on the same table, distribute them so that they do not face each other or are side by side. Inside the house, keep the windows and doors open in order to provide air circulation and avoid environments with stale air. Do not share glasses or cutlery. Be especially careful when washing the dishes, which should preferably be done in a washing machine or by hand with hot water and a suitable detergent. People of differen families should not sleep in the same house. If this is not possible, it is very important that in the same room of the house do not sleep people from different family groups, whether adults or children. References: Center for Disease Control and Prevention Direção Geral da Saúde European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Organização Mundial de Saúde The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
