12:28 p.m. ET, December 24, 2020
The safest way to celebrate New Year’s Eve is with your household or virtually, CDC says
From CNN's Naomi Thomas
A 2021 sign is seen in Times Square on December 23 in New York City.
Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
The safest way to celebrate the new year during the pandemic is at home with the people you live with, or online with friends and family, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in guidance posted to its website on Wednesday.
“Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others,” it says, echoing guidance for other winter holidays.
For those that host a celebration, CDC suggests staying outside, limiting the number of guests, making extra masks available and keeping background music low to avoid shouting.
When attending a celebration, the agency says masks should be worn indoors and outdoors and alcohol and drugs that can alter judgement should be avoided.
“While it is possible that some people may receive COVID-19 vaccines before New Year’s Eve, continue taking steps to protect yourself and others for some time to come,” the CDC says.
CDC also suggests other activities, such as having a virtual celebration with loved ones, planning a New Year’s party for the people who live in a household, reaching out to friends, family and neighbors, watching live streamed fireworks or planning an outdoor activity.
“It’s okay if you decide to postpone or cancel your gathering. Do what’s best for you,” the guidance says.
If celebrating with people outside of your household, CDC suggests wearing a mask – even under a scarf when outside – and staying at least 6 feet apart, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, washing hands, staying home if sick and getting a flu shot as soon as possible.
Holiday travel may also increase a person’s chance of getting and spreading Covid-19, and CDC continues to recommend postponing travel.