HEALTH

CDC issues Valentine’s Day tips for a safer holiday

UPDATED: FEBRUARY 10, 2021 AT 9:10 PM

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY – Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued tips for a safe holiday. Officials at the CDC have issued these guidelines because the risk of spreading COVID-19 still remains high.

CDC tips for Valentine’s Day

Officials from the CDC say the safest way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is virtually or with the people you live with. However, if you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with those outside your household, here are some options:

Make Valentine cards or decorations and drop them off to loved ones.
Take a walk with your Valentine.
Celebrate with loved ones virtually.
Prepare a special meal or dessert.
Plan a special movie or game night.
Have a picnic outside.

If you plan on celebrating outside of your home, officials from the CDC report it is safer to do so outdoors. The CDC still recommends postponing travel and staying home, as this is the best way to protect yourself and others this year.

Traveling will increase your chances of exposing yourself or transferring the virus to others. If you do plan on traveling for the holiday, visit the CDC’s website for travel tips.

In addition to celebrating outside, the CDC believes it is important to have a conversation with those you are gathering with. Take these additional steps if attending a gathering to make your celebration safer:

Have conversations ahead of time to understand expectations for celebrating together.
Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
Wear a mask indoors and outdoors.
Avoid shouting or singing.

With the pandemic this year, the CDC is hoping people will have a safe Valentine’s Day from a distance.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
Get a flu shot.