Could Omicron alter your New Year’s Eve celebrations?
For the second year in a row, COVID-19 is causing some people to scale back on their New Year's Eve celebrations. Health experts are advising against ringing in the New Year with a big group of people.
"We want everybody to celebrate. We want it to be an exciting new year. We just want it to be done safely and with health in mind," said Riverside County's deputy public health officer, Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky. "If you're having an indoor gathering, we recommend that you keep those on the smaller side. You can increase ventilation by keeping the windows open, keeping the doors open."
Dr. Chevinsky said COVID cases in the valley have been rising. The county has reported nearly 16,000 new cases within the past month. In November, cases rose by about 12,000.
Dr. Shubha Kerkar is the director of infectious diseases at Desert Regional Medical Center. She said she has been seeing more cases at the hospital due to the omicron variant.
"The new strain Omicron is more infectious. It spreads faster. Even if you are asymptomatic you can spread it to others," said Dr. Kerkar. "If you want to get together, get vaccinated and wear a mask. Those are the basic things that will protect and help us to celebrate."
Many people may be feeling COVID fatigue and health officials know this. But they want to emphasize that celebrating safely may have a huge impact as we move into the new year.
"All of these things are in preparation in hopes to have next year's celebration, return a little bit closer to normal," said Dr. Chevinsky.
The California Department of Public Health also provided the best ways to protect yourself and slow the spread of COVID-19 this season:
- Get vaccinated, including a booster shot if you're eligible
- Wear a mask
- Stay home if you're sick
- Get tested before and after traveling or gathering for the holidays
- Gather outside or increase airflow in indoor spaces
