Austin Public Health has isued some post-Thanksgiving recommendations if you have traveled recently, or gathered together with family members during Thanksgiving.
“COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising locally, across Texas and the United States,” said Stephanie Hayden, Austin Public Health Director. “It is critically important that everyone do their part to combat COVID-19 by avoiding gatherings and travel this holiday season. Do not gather with people that you do not live with during the holiday season, avoid high risk activities and stay home as much as possible. Those who have already gathered or traveled need to make sure that they take the proper precautions to stay safe.”
The city includes Thanksgiving gatherings, going on crowded hayrides with non-household members, participating in traditional caroling or other door-to-door activities, and traveling outside of your community for gatherings and events as “high-risk” activities.
According to officials, if you participated in these activities you should:
•Get tested at least 3-5 days after gathering or traveling AND stay home for 7 days after gathering or traveling.
•Even if you test negative, stay home for the full 7 days.
•If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
•You can sign up for a COVID-19 test through APH at austintexas.gov/covid19.
•If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home for 14 days after gathering or traveling.
•Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe complications or death from COVID-19 for 14 days after gathering or traveling, regardless of whether you get tested.
Last week, Austin-Travis County moved to Stage 4 on the COVID-19 risk-based guidelines.
“Additional holidays are around the corner; if people still plan to travel despite public health risk guidance, they should consider the 3 ‘C’s; wear a face Covering, avoid Crowds, and decrease your time in Confined areas,” said Janet Pichette, Chief Epidemiologist for Austin-Travis County. “We must do our part in the community to keep our families and each other safe.”
