Providence Tarzana Medical Center issued the following announcement on Nov. 19
The holidays are going to be different this year
Traditionally, the holidays are a time when families and friends get together to share and build memories, eat well and celebrate life. It’s a time for hugs and snuggling. It’s a time for unity.
The 2020 holiday season presents new challenges for families and friends, and protecting ourselves and our loved ones is the top priority.
We are all exhausted by the constant need to diligent in wearing our masks and social distancing, while also suffering from the separation anxiety caused by being apart from those we love. But now is the time when we must act collectively to combat the spread of COVID-19. We all need to do our part, and that means (re)embracing the recommendations from experts, including:
- Wearing a mask every time you go somewhere or invite someone outside of your immediate family into your home
- Staying physically distanced by 6 feet or more – inside or outside
- Remaining diligent in washing your hands for 20 seconds or more
- Gathering outside in small, socially distanced groups of no more than 5 people
- Avoiding indoor gatherings and sharing food with people not in your COVID bubble
- Limiting trips outside your home, especially if you have any symptoms
- Getting a flu shot
The importance of masks
The science[1] tells us that COVID-19 can be transmitted by droplets that are produced through common behaviors such as talking, singing, coughing or sneezing. In the absence of a widely available vaccine, masks are our best defense to reduce the spread of the virus.
According to Rich Davis, M.D., Providence Sacred Heart's microbiology director, who recently demonstrated the efficacy of masks, “Most of the heavy fat droplets that are going to come out of your mouth that have bacteria or viruses potentially, they’re going to get caught in your mask and not go forward into the space in front of you.”
At Providence, our No. 1 priority is to ensure the safety of the people in the communities we serve. During this unique holiday season, we ask that you stay vigilant in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by wearing your mask. Wearing is caring, so mask-up and help save lives.
This holiday season will be different, yes. Still, we wish you and yours a healthy and peaceful season and look forward to what we hope will be a better new year.
To learn more about how we’re addressing the pandemic, visit one of our coronavirus information hubs:
Providence: https://coronavirus.providence.org/
Swedish: https://coronavirus.providence.org/swedish
Covenant: https://coronavirus.providence.org/covenant
Original source can be found here.
Source: Providence Tarzana Medical Center
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