Safety Reset: Travel and gatherings discouraged this holiday season. Think virtual and small

This year, the holidays present many with a challenge ― how to spend time with friends and family during a pandemic?

Dr. Glenn Buchberger advises in the Medical Minute that virtual gatherings may be the best way to celebrate the holidays this year with friends, family and work colleagues.

Cases of COVID-19 are increasing in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. Penn State Health and the College of Medicine discourages employees from travelling or gathering outside their home environment. Virtual is the optimal choice for meetings, training events and any other gathering to ensure safety of all attendees.

While every effort should be made to avoid in-person meetings, trainings and work-related gatherings, they are permissible only if:

• They are essential.
• Participants strictly follow physical distancing, masking and other safety precautions.
• They involve no more than 25 persons in the space.

Additionally, Penn State Health strongly discourages food service at all indoor events. The College of Medicine prohibits it.

All staff are required to notify their managers and supervisors of any travel plans. They must also follow Penn State Health and the College of Medicine’s Travel and Quarantine Policy and Meeting, Training and Gatherings guidelines for all Penn State Health and College of Medicine activities, including any held off-site. Please refer to the COVID-19 workplace resources.

Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also notes those attending holiday celebrations should be aware of any health and safety laws and local or state guidelines that affect the holiday gathering. CDC resources on holidays, gatherings and travel are provided below:

Learn more

• Penn State Health and College of Medicine Travel and Quarantine Policy
• Penn State Health and College of Medicine Meeting, Training, and Gathering Guidelines
• Penn State Health COVID-19 Resources
• College of Medicine COVID-19 Resources
• CDC: Know Your Travel Risk
• CDC: Know When to Delay Your Travel to Avoid Spreading COVID-19
• CDC: Holiday Celebrations
• CDC: Hosting gatherings or cookouts
• CDC: People at Increased Risk
• The Medical Minute: Virtual gatherings may be best way to celebrate holidays together

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