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How To Be COVID Safe Entering the New Year

December 29, 2021

As we bid 2021 farewell (and, just like 2020, good riddance), we know we’ll have at least one hangover into 2022: The global pandemic, now a toddler at nearly 2 years old.

And, like most rambunctious 2-year-olds, it’s acting up, and we need to do something about it. When the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, make sure it’s only the one in Times Square, and not that too-familiar COVID-19 orb with its menacing spikes of protein.

Ready? 10, 9, 8 … Here’s your New Year’s countdown to entering 2022 safely:

10. Mask up. Yes, we know it’s a pain. And it seems as if fewer people are wearing them lately. Let’s get over it. A face covering over your nose and mouth helps prevent the spread of the virus. We know this. Choose wisely, too, as surgical masks prove more effective than cloth.

9. Amp up your mask. An N-95 mask (docs sometimes call them “respirators”) are the gold standard, so named because they filter at least 95% of airborne particles. And, Connecticut plans to distribute more than 6 million N95s to residents.

8. Not so close. New Year’s Eve is known for … let’s say togetherness. This year, let’s try to be together apart. Keep your distance from others — six feet, whenever possible. The Delta variant is still with us, and Omicron is quickly outpacing it. And don’t forget, there’s seasonal flu.

7. Fewer “auld acquaintances.” Hate to be party poopers, but experts say to limit the size of gatherings this year. By one estimate, if you’re in a group of 30 to 40 people, chances are at least one person is COVID-positive.

6. Take your test at home. A quick way to see if you’re able to visit with loved ones is to take an at-home COVID test. Good news here, too: Connecticut plans to distribute 500,000 kits, each with two tests.

5. For the final exam: PCR. At-home kits are a good quick indicator, but they’re not 100% accurate. A PCR test (polymerase chain reaction for you science geeks; a swab up your nostrils for the rest of us) gives a more definitive result. Yup, demand is high, and lines are long, but more sites are being added.

4. How’re you doing? Do you have a fever? Body aches? Any signs or symptoms of COVID — we’re talking chills, headache, sore throat … all that nasty stuff? This is no time to self-diagnose that “it’s just a cold.” If you’ve got symptoms, get tested. And …

3. Are you sick? That stinks. Well, for everyone’s sake, stay home. You’re not doing anyone any favors by going to work, or hanging out with friends, if you’re not well.

2. Once more, with feeling: Get vaccinated (please). Vaccines and boosters are the very best shot (get it?) we have against this virus. Yes, COVID is throwing us curveballs with its mutant variants — but that’s what viruses do, the nasty things. Vaccines are widely available; check out our info here. Please, please: If you haven’t been vaccinated, do so. And, if it’s been six months since your vaccine (two months for Johnson & Johnson), get a booster. Please.

1. Stay informed. Things in COVID-land change quickly. At Hartford HealthCare, we know it can be overwhelming. That’s why we update information all the time, and make it easier to know what’s up and what to do. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. Check out our Health News Hub. Subscribe to text alerts (Text StartHere to 85209), our e-newsletters or our podcast. Visit our website. We’re with you — and we’ll stay with you throughout 2022 and beyond.

From all of us, best wishes for a happy and HEALTHY New Year!